A Season Called Hope

A new football season always brings fresh optimism. It's a long summer without football, changes have taken place and everybody begins on an equal footing. There's nothing quite like the start of a new season and the thrill of anticipation. For Coventry fans there seems a particular sense of hope in the air. Freed from the shackles of another traumatic campaign culminating in last day survival, there is a general feeling of something better around the corner.

Not that will be difficult. The years of mediocrity or struggle would test the strongest loyalties. Refreshed faith is almost entirely down to Tony Mowbray who led us to safety as temporary boss last season and now embarks on his first full season. Although his recruitment drive has yielded only a few signings they all show promise and make a positive change from last season when there seemed to be a policy of loan players aplenty without any coherent strategy.

He's brought in experience in Sam Ricketts to mix with the promise of youth, with local lad James Madison looking an outstanding prospect. Much will depend on Ricketts and Reda Johnson staying fit. The squad is very much a template at the moment and in terms of numbers, looks someway short of that required to complete competively at the top end of the table. A lot rides on how successfully Mowbray utilises the loan system will the multi millionaire owner still preferring to pursue court cases over outgoing transfer fees. The six month loan of outstanding Newcastle and England youth striker, Adam Armstrong has already brought genuine excitement.

But we've come to accept this, unpalatable as it is. There is a general desire it seems amongst the fanbase to give Mowbray and his backroom staff, full backing. A lot of this is due to his persona. That of a true football man who isn't prepared to take any nonsense. He's already make certain views clear, right down to the scruffiness of the training ground. Mowbray seems a hands on true professional which is exactly what we need.

So it's nearly time for another Sky Blue roller coaster ride of a season. Time to hold tight and sing together. Let's hope the new retro kit isn't the only thing that evokes the spirit of better times.