Today’s Christmas Diamond Club lunch at The Ricoh Arena had to be held in the larger Premier Lounge as the turnout exceeded the capacity for the usual venue the Legends Lounge and aound 240 members turned up for the event.
Prior to lunch being served members were informed that former Coventry City player and Diamond Club regular Brian Nicholas was in hospital recovering from a knee operation. All of us at the club send Brian our best wishes for a speedy recovery and hope to see him in March at the next club lunch.
The special guest at the event was former Coventry City player and FA Cup winner Dave Bennett.
Joe Elliott spoke to Dave about the club, the FA Cup final and his hopes for the future.
Dave said he tried to get to see as many Coventry City games as possible, but that he also kept an eye on other teams in the same league as the Sky Blues.
Joe asked him what he thought of the current squad and Dave thought the midfielders should be contributing more goals to the side and suggested that the exciting City talent Tom Bayliss ought to try to score more rather than assisting goals.
Benno hoped the side would regain their form very soon and once again push for the top six. He also expressed his hopes that a settlement can be reached regarding the uncertainty surrounding the club’s future at The Ricoh, a sentiment held unanimously by all Diamond Club members.
Dave hopes and believes that Coventry City will be back in the Championship before long and would love to see the club In the Premier League.
Billy Bell told a few jokes, some of which elicited laughter while others incurred groans, but nothing he said amused the members as much as his sky blue, dark blue and white striped jacket.
The members were very well entertained by local lad Karl Loxley who appeared on TV’s The Voice and was in Sir Tom Jones’ team. Karl, from Balsall Common, sand a variety of song, some from musicals such as Music of the night and Bring Him Home as well as the ever popular Nessun Dorma. He was given a standing ovation at the end of his set and later sold copies of his CD.
Fund raising bingo was played and the two prizes were won by two Coventry Music Museum volunteers. The raffle was then held as the afternoon’s fun came to an end.
A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year to you all.
Date for your diary: The next Diamond Club lunch will be on Thursday March 14th which will also include the AGM.
Pictures copyright of Pete Chambers BEM for CNS Sport
Article - CNS Sport/RD