A Breath Of Fresh Air
The nights are slowly closing in as autumn comes into view. Yet for Coventry fans, there is an optimism in the air that recalls the anticipation of the joys of spring. And it is practically all down
to one man, manger Tony Mowbray, who having kept the club up last season has got the current campaign off to a flyer. The club sit second in the table and have been playing a passing, attacking brand
of football that has left supporters purring with admiration.
Of course, it's very early days and we have seen false dawns before. But there is a genuine feeling that this time could be different. This has been reflected in a reinvigorated interest from the
fanbase. Attendances at Ricoh night games are notoriously poor. But recently we have seen over twelve thousand gather for a home fixture against Southend which was rearranged for a Bank Holiday
Monday evening with all its limited public transport issues. While over two thousand sold out the away allocation at Burton for a Sunday televised game forsaking the easy option of watching down
the pub.
The reason is simple. Football supporters will make an effort if they think they will be rewarded by what they see on the pitch. That is certainly happening at the moment. While five goal striker
Adam Armstrong has stole the headlines, there is plenty more to enthuse about. I particularly like the way Mowbray has set up the midfield which features flair, keeping the ball on the deck while
not forgetting the importance of sheer hard graft when not in possession.
There are experienced heads and promising young talent in all areas of the squad and although still a work in progress, a sense we have a man and a team at the managerial helm that have a clear
view of what they want to do. This is coupled with a fresh sense of purpose that is passing down onto the fans, too long starved of any coherent strategy.
While still having to rely a lot of loans, the presence and reputation of Mowbray is attracting a keener hungry breed of player with impressive reputations. Liverpool starlet, Ryan Kent, the latest
brought in for a loan spell at the club. Attention to detail is also key with Mowbray who has insisted the training ground be spruced up and photos put up of more grandiose days, to signal to players
what they have to aspire to.
Amd one of the best things is the supporters are talking purely about on field matters now. For too long off field activities have led to debates of almost political nature and divided people.
Football will always be about opinion but the beauty right now is everyone is taking about what us taking place on the pitch. Mowbray comes across as a man who doesn't suffer fools gladly,
wants the best and expects it of those around him. These are qualities found endearing by fans force fed the mediocre for far too long.
It's September, ridiculously early in proceedings. But it's fair to say Mowbray has given us back our mojo. And when the players are performing, the fans start responding. There is a feeling that
as summer fades and the season's change, our seasons could be changing for the better, thanks to Tony amd his assistant Mark Venus who is proving a gem at providing new talent on s limited
budget.