Coventry City chairman Doug King says it would be “madness” to leave their CBS Arena home as negotiations continue over a new tenancy agreement.
The stadium has been owned by former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley’s Frasers business since November 2022, despite King’s desire to purchase it when negotiating his acquisition of the club.
The Sky Blues signed a five-year tenancy pact in April 2023, but he disclosed last month that new English Football League rules need them to have a long-term contract in place by the conclusion of the season or risk a fine.
When asked if he could comfort supporters about staying at the stadium, King told BBC CWR: “It would be folly (not to stay). “That’s it.”
A long-running ground rent dispute with former owners SISU caused Coventry to seek temporary groundshare homes, first at Northampton in 2013, followed by two seasons at Birmingham City.
They returned to the city in 2021, and King is hopeful that the team and ground will one day be owned by the same entity.
“It was built for the football club, it should never have been moved away,” he told me.
“There are a number of well-documented reasons behind this, but we’d like to get it back together sometime.
“It’s a stadium that only comes alive when you have brilliant football teams in it, otherwise it’s just bricks and mortar.”
King went on to say, “We are in continual communication (with the ground owners) about many, many things; there are things around the stadium that need to be fixed and altered, and we take care of the bowl.
“Everybody is aware that it benefits both parties in the relationship and that’s positive for future situations.”
King was speaking at the unveiling of a statue commemorating the club’s 1987 FA Cup-winning managers, John Sinnott and George Curtis.
Under Frank Lampard, the Sky Blues sit sixth in the Championship and face Midlands rivals West Bromwich Albion on Friday.
“I believe we are getting our act together, the city and community is worthy of a really top quality football team, playing in a high quality arena,” according to King.
“We are getting there, but there is still much work to be done. Nothing has been done here in a long time, and it will take time to change that.
“I’m always optimistic; you have to think you can achieve your goals.
“The challenge for that squad is huge, relentless, and never-ending. We’re up against clubs that want to do the same thing; you simply have to be better, stronger, faster, and do your best.”
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