Can A Mod Close This Thread, I Am Starting A New Story
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Top man 
By the way, what a free kick from Ronnie last night. He is pure class.
Hull City's ?500K bid for Coventry left winger Julian Gray has been accepted by Coventry. Hull fought off contenders Plymouth to sign the former Birmingham player. Plymouth manager Paul Sturrock said he didn't want to pay as much as ?500K for the Coventry man, and withdrew interest almost immediately afterwards.
COVENTRY SCHEDULE LAST GASP FRIENDLY, AWAY AT TORQUAY
Coventry City and Torquay United have got together to organise a last effort to get their players fit for the new season. Coventry, who have played lower league opposition all the way through the pre season were approached by newly relegated Conference team Torquay, and Tough said he would be delighted to help them out. The game will take place on 31/7/07 ahead of tCoventry's first league match away to Hull on 11/8/07. Tough is still waiting to take charge of his first home game with Coventry.
By the way, what a free kick from Ronnie last night. He is pure class.HULL BID FOR GRAY ACCEPTED
Hull City's ?500K bid for Coventry left winger Julian Gray has been accepted by Coventry. Hull fought off contenders Plymouth to sign the former Birmingham player. Plymouth manager Paul Sturrock said he didn't want to pay as much as ?500K for the Coventry man, and withdrew interest almost immediately afterwards.
COVENTRY SCHEDULE LAST GASP FRIENDLY, AWAY AT TORQUAY
Coventry City and Torquay United have got together to organise a last effort to get their players fit for the new season. Coventry, who have played lower league opposition all the way through the pre season were approached by newly relegated Conference team Torquay, and Tough said he would be delighted to help them out. The game will take place on 31/7/07 ahead of tCoventry's first league match away to Hull on 11/8/07. Tough is still waiting to take charge of his first home game with Coventry.
COVENTRY LOOK AT WALSALL PAIR
Coventry have sent Tim Flowers and Steve Ogrizovic to check out the talented defence pair at Walsall. Daniel Fox a 21 year old left back and Scott Dann a 20 year old centre back are reported to be a target for a number of Premiership sides and Championship sides, but may move to Coventry as they may not want to relocate. Both players have impressed in the lasted season, taking a combined appearance tally to 150.
31/7/07
In today's game, we played non-league side Torquay United. Before the game I expected to win the game obviously, but this game was purely just to give the lads one last chance to improve their match fitness before my first full Championship season in charge.
So, now just to update you about the transfer activity this week. Julian Gray's move to Hull hadn't been finalised yet, but will be completed in the coming days, and Hull asked us not to play Julian (Gray) earlier in case he was unfortunate enough to injure himself. He was happy to agree and he was left out today. Nothing else has happened on the transfer front since our last game against Nuneaton so thats it for now.
In today's fixture, I reckon the fans who have travelled would have wanted to see us win again, and maintain our 100% pre season record, so that is what I plan to do. The lads already knew what I wanted, and the players have really gelled since I came here and I am very happy at this club. I would just like to thank all the fans for giving me a chance as they must have been a bit warey about me coming as I understand my lack of experience, but I know I have only done what has been expected so far so thanks to all the fans, but believe me, there is a lot more to come.
Now to the team news. I again went with a full strength lineup, and the players are getting fitter by the day. Two players were left out, Kevin Thornton and Donovan Simmonds who both are still out with ankle ligament damage. Captain Arjan de Zeeuw drops to the bench because of a slight injury, young Ben Turner deputises, the armband passes over to Michael Doyle
Here was the starting XI:
--------------------------Marshall
D.Simpson---Turner---Ward---Borrowdale
Mifsud-------S.Hughes-------M.Doyle(c)----Tabb
---------------------Best-------Adebola
Subs (11): Cairo, Hawkins, Osbourne, R.Simpson, McKenzie, Hall, M.Hughes, Ireland (K), Konstantopoulos (K), McNamee, de Zeeuw.
Me and the lads arrived at Torquay's ground, Plainmoor. We got out of the bus and walked over to pitchside, and we were kindly met by the Torquay Manager, Brian Fermoor. He showed us into our dressing rooms and me and the lads had a chat and talked tactics. We were very confident of a victory, but I was looking at young defender Ben Turner for a solid performance as he came in for rested de Zeeuw.
And we kicked off, a very shakey start from us, and we let Torquay threaten goal once or twice in just the first 5 mins. On 8 mins a Zebroski shot hit Andy Marshall full in the face, rebounded out to Adebola, who started the counter, fed the ball to Best, who put the ball through for Mifsud, who's shot went just wide. On 18 mins, a Turner free kcik, aimed at right back Danny SImpson on the right wing, fell to the feet of Zebroski, who passed through to Torquay striker Tim Sills who struck wide. Great chance. On 23 mins, a poor Edwards clearance fell straight to the feet of Stephen Hughes, who put Leon Best through to finish with ease. 1-0. I shouted a few bouts of praise to the lads and off we went again. On 31 mns, disaster struck, as Dele Adebola went off with an injury. We weren't sure how bad the injury was, but Dele (Adebola) looked in some pain. I brought winger Ellery Cairo on for Adebola. Mifsud went up front with Best, and Cairo went on the right wing. On 42 mins, Cairo and D.Simpson linked up superbly down teh right wing, and put in a cross which went low across teh floor and fell to Michael Dowle who shot wide from 20 yards. And that was it for the half. I was happy with the first half, as after a shakey start, we regained control superbly. AT half time I made a few changes. Stephen Hughes made way for Leon McKenzie who went on teh left, and Jay Tabb set up in teh centre with Doyle. Colin Hawkins came on for Elliott Ward at centre back, and Robbie Simpson came on for Michael Mifsud up top. And that was it for changes at half time. I told the lads "More of the same!" and we kicked off for thr second half. On 60mins, Ellery Cairo was on the right, made a couple of shimmeys and crossed in superbly, his cross hit a couple of players, and rebounded out off the post, and out, straight away, up the other end, danger man Zebroski shot over from 16 yards. And 1 minuted later, an awful backpass from Danny SImpson, went straight to Zebroski, who made no mistake. 1-1. I was livid. And on 64 mins, Torquay threatened again, Tony Bedeau running at the Coventry defence, put Zebroski throguh again, and this time he didn't take advantage. On 65 mins a fantastic move from Coventry. Ben Turner played a great ball up to Leon Best, who knocked the ball down for Robbie Simpson, who volleyed just over. I appluaded. On 68 mins, a carbon copy error of Danny Simpson's earlier in the half happened again. Thsi time, at the other end, Gareth Dickens tried to get the ball back to the keeper, but Leon Best pounced onto the loose ball to retake the lead for Coventry, and got his second of the game. 2-1. On 80 mins I made some more changes. Osbourne on for Doyle, and Michael Hughes on for Jay Tabb. On 82 mins Leon Best secured his hattrick, a Borrowdale shot took a deflection and Leon Best finished instinctively. 3-1. And that was teh last noteable move of the match. Full time, 3-1, andI was pleased. 100% still and everyone looked fit.
Torquay 1 - 3 Coventry
Best (3)
Marshall-7
D.Simpson-5
Borrowdale-7
Ward-7
Turner-7
Mifsud-7
S.Hughes-7
M.Doyle-7
Tabb-7
Best- 9
Adebola-7
-----------
Cairo-7
Hawkins-7
Osbourne-7
R.Simpson-6
McKenzie-7
Hall-unused sub
M.Hughes-7
Ireland (K)-unused sub
Konstantopoulos (K)-unused sub
McNamee-unused sub
de Zeeuw-unused sub
Man of the Match was Leon Best
Last edited:
Jaztheman
Chairman of Selectors
Cracking win there for you Craig, a little bit harder but still an easy game. Best did well suprisingly. Hope to see you excel in the Championship. 
SINCLAIR REJECTS, CITY FRUSTRATED AGAIN
Scott Sinclair rejected a move to Coventry and Manager Craig Tough has said he is 'frustrated' he hadn't got a midfielder in the transfer window yet, but said he wouldn't stop looking, and apparently Southampton's Jhon Viafara is a target.
TOUGH SCRAPS DANN & FOX INTEREST
Coventry City have decided against bidding for Walsall pair Daniel Fox and Scott Dann.
ADEBOLA OUT FOR 2 MONTHS
Coventry big man Dele Adebola is out for 2 months and is set to miss the start of the new season with fractured ribs. He picked up the injury during the friendly against Torquay. Coventry now have a striker 'shortage' with only a few able to deputise, however Craig Tough believes he will not be signing a striker this window, because he believes there are enough at teh club, despite Kyle moving to Sheffield Wednesday and Adebola out injured.
CONTRACT OFFERS FOR SKY BLUES PLAYERS
Coventry have offered 7 of their players new contracts. All the players offered contracts are coming to the end of their current contract. The players in question are reported to be Osbourne, Marshall, Stephen Hughes, Doyle, de Zeeuw, Liam Davis and Ellery Cairo.
GRAY STAYS AS HULL SICKENED
Coventry left winger Julian Gray opts to stay at Coventry just before he put pen to paper after 'change of heart'. Gray, the former Birmingham man was just about to move to Hull when he couldn't agree personal terms.
4 PLAYERS ACCEPT CONTRACTS
4 out of the 7 Coventry players have accepted their new contracts. The players who have already accepted their contracts are Osbourne, Hughes, de Zeeuw and Marshall. Two more are expected to sign, but Coventry midfielder Michael Doyle has rejected his, and could be on his way out. However he insists this is not the case, he justs wants more money.
COVENTRY BID FOR SAINTS MAN ACCEPTED
Coventry City today revealed that they have had an offer accepted for Southampton want-away midfielder Jhon Viafara (no its not a misprint its is Jhon). Viafara has revealed he wants away after a dispute with manager George Burley. He has said he would 'relish' a move to Coventry and believes he can help them get into the Premiership. Craig Tough said he was 'ecstatic' that he has finally had a bid accepted for a midfielder. the fee is said to be around £1.4mil.
COVENTRY GET LEAGUE ONE SIDE IN CUP
Coventry City have drawn League One side Leyton Orient in the first round of the Carling Cup.
COVENTRY STRIKER 'SHORTAGE' WORSENS
Coventry are having a striker shortage ahead of the opening fixture of their new Championship campaign. Dele Adebola is out of the Hull game, and now striker Robbie Simpson is out after spraining his ankle. He will be out for 2 weeks plus. But Tough stands firm on not signing a striker in the window.
PHONE IN
Andy: Well, its time for the phone in!
Helen: Yep, today we have Coventry manager Craig Tough on the other end!
Andy: Hello Craig, can you hear us?
Craig: Yes mate.
Andy: Good. So today is the start of the new season, and your first in charge. What do you want from this season?
Craig: Well, I think its obvious. A club that spent so long in the top flight needs to getback where it belongs. In the Premiership.
Helen: And do you think you can achieve this so early on in your career?
Craig: I don't see why not. I know I'm not the most experienced, but I think I have done well in the window, and we will certainly be there or there abouts.
Andy: What do you expect from today's game with Hull?
Craig: Well, its a hard place to go no doubt, and the bookies have made Hull the favourites. And also the egg chasers have been messing the pitch up so it could be hard for both of us to play nice football, but we will grind it out. I think we can win today, and I believe we will.
Helen: One last question, are you planning to do more business in the transfer window?
Craig: No. Simple as that. Jhon Viafara is about to sign and has given me his word. SO that will be it I think. Maybe a couple in January, but thats all for now.
Helen & Andy: Cheers Craig. Good Luck for this year.
Craig: Cheers guys.
11/8//07
HERE IT IS. Well the Championship season got underway earlier and our first game was against Hull City. We knew it was going to be a tough game, but we were looking up to the challenge. I couldn't wait for the game to start.
So, now just to update you about the transfer activity this week. The only news is that Jhon Viafara hasn't completed his move from Southampton yet, so he obviously isn't in the squad.
Today, I reckon the fans who travelled would have wanted to see us win. Obviously. I have a 100% record as the Coventry manager, but this is by far my biggest challenge yet. I am relishing the opportunity to take a team to the Premiership in my first season as a manager. The pitch isn't looking too good, so I am hoping to just do the job. Hull surprisingly are favourites to win, but I don't think that has any relevance.
Now to the team news. Its the first match, so I have picked what I think is the strongest team available with 4 layers out injured (Adebola, Thornton, Simmonds, R.Simpson) and 2 suspended for 3 games (Turner, Borrowdale). The back four is Ward and de Zeeuw in the centre, Danny SImpson at right back, and as Borrowdale is suspended so David McNamee starts at left back. The midfield contains young Isaac Osbourne and Michael Doyle in the centre, Jay Tabb on the left and Ellery Cairo on the right. Up top, Adebola is out so Mifsud plays in his preferred position of striker, and he partners Leon Best. On the bench we have Michael Hughes, Julian Gray, Stephen hughes, Colin Hawkins and Leon McKenzie.
Here was the starting XI:
--------------------------Marshall
D.Simpson---de Zeeuw (c)---Ward---McNamee
Cairo-------Osbourne-------M.Doyle------Tabb
---------------------Best-------Mifsud
Subs (5): Michael Hughes, Julian Gray, Stephen hughes, Colin Hawkins, Leon McKenzie
So with all of the hype spurring us on, we saw many Coventry fans on the way to Hull, and the buzz was amazing. I was surprised I got this warm a welcome from our supporters as I was worried about them not supporting me because of my experience, but my 100% record seemed to balance it out a bit. If I won today, perhaps I would eventually get the full support. We arrived at the KC Stadium, and it was in great nick inside, but as for the pitch. It wasn't pretty, but we knew we had to play our game and do our best to get the campaign up and running with 3 points. And I was quietly confident of doing so. I got in to the well kept dressing room and told the players what we needed. 3 points, and something for the fans to shout about.
The game started and we started decently, without creating an opportunity, and on 7 minutes, Hull striker Caleb Folan found himself one on one with Andy Marshall, but the Coventry keeper stood firm. I was a bit miffed at the marking. On 10 mins, Jay Jay Okocha put a ball through to Dean Windass, who shot over. Coventry were o the back foot. On 16 mins, Isaac Osbourne put a fantastic ball through to Michael Doyle, who couldn't finish. Very cagey. On 24 mins Another Coventry chance fell to Danny Simpson, who again, couldn't finish, I was shouting at the lads to try and make the most of their chances. On 27 mins, Caleb FOlan had another one on one chance, but he slotted the ball wide of the mark. On 29mins, poor defending from Coventry which let Bryan Hughes in, and he made it 1-0. I don't want to say what I said to the players at this point, as there could be children reading.
Half time, and a shocking performance so far. The players hadn't been closing down or marking, and it looked like they couldn't be bothered. I expected a dramatic improvement after half time. I made one change. Stephen Hughes came on for Isaac Osbourne. Just after half time on 48mins I got the reply I wanted. An Ellery Cairo corner, falling on to Elliott Ward's head, and he finished superbly. 1-1. I was happier. On 54 mins, a fantastic cross pitch ball from Nick Barmby fell to Windass and WIndass finished. More crap marking and we were in trouble again. 2-1. Straight from kick off, a fantastic ball down the right from de Zeeuw, went to Cairo, put the ball in and Danny Simpson was inches from an equiliser. On 63 mins, a fantastic turn and strike from Leon Best just went over. We just couldn't get the ball in the back of the net. Then I made my final changes. Leon McKenzie on for Jay Tabb and Julian Gray on for Leon Best. On on 74 mins, Julian Gray went over injured. And I had no subs left. Typical. On 87 mins, Coventry went close again. Leon McKenzie firing over from 18. Then the final whistle went. A lot of improvement was needed before our next game.Poor show.
I got into the dressing rooms and gave the players the bollocking of a lifetime.
Hull 2 - 1 Coventry
Ward
Marshall-8
D.Simpson-6
McNamee-7
Ward-7
de Zeeuw-7
Cairo-7
Osbourne-7
M.Doyle-7
Tabb-7
Best- 7
Mifsud-7
-----------
M.Hughes-unused sub
Gray-6
S.Hughes-7
Hawkins-Unused sub
McKenzie-6
Man of the Match was Andy Marshall
Championship Results:
Blackpool 1 Watford 2
Cardiff 1 Charlton 1
Colchester 2 QPR 3
Crystal Palace 0 Preston 0
Leicester 0 Scunthorpe 1
Norwch 1 Wolves 2
Plymouth 2 Bristol City 4
Sheff Utd 2 Southampton 1
Sheff Weds 0 Burnley 0
Stoke 1 Ipswich 1
West Brom 1 Barnsley 1
Hull 2 Coventry 1
HERE IT IS. Well the Championship season got underway earlier and our first game was against Hull City. We knew it was going to be a tough game, but we were looking up to the challenge. I couldn't wait for the game to start.
So, now just to update you about the transfer activity this week. The only news is that Jhon Viafara hasn't completed his move from Southampton yet, so he obviously isn't in the squad.
Today, I reckon the fans who travelled would have wanted to see us win. Obviously. I have a 100% record as the Coventry manager, but this is by far my biggest challenge yet. I am relishing the opportunity to take a team to the Premiership in my first season as a manager. The pitch isn't looking too good, so I am hoping to just do the job. Hull surprisingly are favourites to win, but I don't think that has any relevance.
Now to the team news. Its the first match, so I have picked what I think is the strongest team available with 4 layers out injured (Adebola, Thornton, Simmonds, R.Simpson) and 2 suspended for 3 games (Turner, Borrowdale). The back four is Ward and de Zeeuw in the centre, Danny SImpson at right back, and as Borrowdale is suspended so David McNamee starts at left back. The midfield contains young Isaac Osbourne and Michael Doyle in the centre, Jay Tabb on the left and Ellery Cairo on the right. Up top, Adebola is out so Mifsud plays in his preferred position of striker, and he partners Leon Best. On the bench we have Michael Hughes, Julian Gray, Stephen hughes, Colin Hawkins and Leon McKenzie.
Here was the starting XI:
--------------------------Marshall
D.Simpson---de Zeeuw (c)---Ward---McNamee
Cairo-------Osbourne-------M.Doyle------Tabb
---------------------Best-------Mifsud
Subs (5): Michael Hughes, Julian Gray, Stephen hughes, Colin Hawkins, Leon McKenzie
So with all of the hype spurring us on, we saw many Coventry fans on the way to Hull, and the buzz was amazing. I was surprised I got this warm a welcome from our supporters as I was worried about them not supporting me because of my experience, but my 100% record seemed to balance it out a bit. If I won today, perhaps I would eventually get the full support. We arrived at the KC Stadium, and it was in great nick inside, but as for the pitch. It wasn't pretty, but we knew we had to play our game and do our best to get the campaign up and running with 3 points. And I was quietly confident of doing so. I got in to the well kept dressing room and told the players what we needed. 3 points, and something for the fans to shout about.
The game started and we started decently, without creating an opportunity, and on 7 minutes, Hull striker Caleb Folan found himself one on one with Andy Marshall, but the Coventry keeper stood firm. I was a bit miffed at the marking. On 10 mins, Jay Jay Okocha put a ball through to Dean Windass, who shot over. Coventry were o the back foot. On 16 mins, Isaac Osbourne put a fantastic ball through to Michael Doyle, who couldn't finish. Very cagey. On 24 mins Another Coventry chance fell to Danny Simpson, who again, couldn't finish, I was shouting at the lads to try and make the most of their chances. On 27 mins, Caleb FOlan had another one on one chance, but he slotted the ball wide of the mark. On 29mins, poor defending from Coventry which let Bryan Hughes in, and he made it 1-0. I don't want to say what I said to the players at this point, as there could be children reading.
Half time, and a shocking performance so far. The players hadn't been closing down or marking, and it looked like they couldn't be bothered. I expected a dramatic improvement after half time. I made one change. Stephen Hughes came on for Isaac Osbourne. Just after half time on 48mins I got the reply I wanted. An Ellery Cairo corner, falling on to Elliott Ward's head, and he finished superbly. 1-1. I was happier. On 54 mins, a fantastic cross pitch ball from Nick Barmby fell to Windass and WIndass finished. More crap marking and we were in trouble again. 2-1. Straight from kick off, a fantastic ball down the right from de Zeeuw, went to Cairo, put the ball in and Danny Simpson was inches from an equiliser. On 63 mins, a fantastic turn and strike from Leon Best just went over. We just couldn't get the ball in the back of the net. Then I made my final changes. Leon McKenzie on for Jay Tabb and Julian Gray on for Leon Best. On on 74 mins, Julian Gray went over injured. And I had no subs left. Typical. On 87 mins, Coventry went close again. Leon McKenzie firing over from 18. Then the final whistle went. A lot of improvement was needed before our next game.Poor show.
I got into the dressing rooms and gave the players the bollocking of a lifetime.
Hull 2 - 1 Coventry
Ward
Marshall-8
D.Simpson-6
McNamee-7
Ward-7
de Zeeuw-7
Cairo-7
Osbourne-7
M.Doyle-7
Tabb-7
Best- 7
Mifsud-7
-----------
M.Hughes-unused sub
Gray-6
S.Hughes-7
Hawkins-Unused sub
McKenzie-6
Man of the Match was Andy Marshall
Championship Results:
Blackpool 1 Watford 2
Cardiff 1 Charlton 1
Colchester 2 QPR 3
Crystal Palace 0 Preston 0
Leicester 0 Scunthorpe 1
Norwch 1 Wolves 2
Plymouth 2 Bristol City 4
Sheff Utd 2 Southampton 1
Sheff Weds 0 Burnley 0
Stoke 1 Ipswich 1
West Brom 1 Barnsley 1
Hull 2 Coventry 1
Jaztheman
Chairman of Selectors
You bollocked the players? 
Poor and unlucky start to the season, many players underperformed.
Poor and unlucky start to the season, many players underperformed.
COVENTRY'S INJURY CRISIS CONTINUES
Coventry winger Julian Gray has been added to the list of Coventry's absentees. He suffered a dislocated jaw during Coventry's defeat at Hull. He is set to miss 3 weeks of football, starting with Coventry's Carling Cup tie with Leyton Orient.
VIAFARA MOVE IN DOUBT
Craig Tough was left in disbelief last night when Southampton called the whole Jhon Viafara move to Coventry off. Viafara, 28 was set to sign for the Sky Blues before Tough's first Home game in charge against Leyton Orient in the Carling Cup. Tough said he would still try to sign Viafara on loan with a view to a permanent deal. However, George Burley may decide to reject.
Jaztheman
Chairman of Selectors
Unlucky about Viafara, although I still think that you can acheive high mid table or even play off place.
Good luck mate.
Good luck mate.
15/8//07
Right, today we played our opening Carling Cup game at home to Leyton Orient, with the Hull defeat still in the back of our minds. We knew it would be a tough game with Leyton Orient bound to come at us, as they didn't have anything to lose. It was my first home match in charge, and I owed this game to the fans after a very poor start to the campaign in which I take full responsibility. I was eager to gt my first meaningful win on the board.
So, now just to update you about the transfer activity this week. Again, tThe only news is of Jhon Viafara who hasn't completed his move from Southampton yet, and the deal unorunatelymay well haven fallen through after a disareement with Sohamptn, however I still plan to try and bring Jhon (Viafara) in at least o lon until the endof the seasonwith a view to a permanent deal. However, with my luck with midfielders so far I wouldn't count your chickens, and this is no insult to the players, but we need strengthening if we are to hav a seious go at promotion becase its a very hard league as it is as anyone can beat anyone, for example Scunthorpe beating Leicester on Saturday.
In today's game, I hear that there will be a nearly full Ricoh Arena, and I have no intention of letting the fans down again. The fans will want to see us win well to get some confidence back into the team.
Now to the team news. Selection was hard today with 6 players out due to either suspension or injuury, the players out injured are Kevn Thornton, Donovan Simmonds, Dele Adebola and Julian Gray, and Ben Turner and Gary Borrowdale are suspended. I picked the best team I had left. 3 changes from the side that played Hull. Marcus Hall comes in to the team and plays at left back whilst McNamee drops to the bench, Isaac Osbourne also drops to the bench and is replaced by Stephen Hughes. And the final change is that Julian Gray is njured and isn't in the squad.
Here was the starting XI:
--------------------------Marshall
D.Simpson---de Zeeuw (c)---Ward---Hall
Cairo-------S.Hughes-------M.Doyle------Tabb
---------------------Best-------Mifsud
Subs (5): Michael Hughes, McNamee, Osbourne, Colin Hawkins, Leon McKenzie
I was a tad nervous of the fans' reactions when I arrived at the ground, but hoped I would get a warm welcome when I arrived. As I drove into the ground, there were 10 or 11 Coventry ans at the gates chanting my name, singing "Craig Tough's Sky Blues Army!" and this gave me a huge lift and I was now looking even more forward the game, and seeing a Sky Blue ocean in the Telegraph stand at the amazing Ricoh Arena. I got in the dresing rooms to see Ted (Jones) laying out all of the kit the players would be wearing, the all Sky Blue strip, and it took me back to when I was a kid, wishing I could pull on the Sky Blue shirt of Coventry City. And then I felt how lucky I was to be the gaffa.
What sound from the supporters. They were deafening, singing "Play Up Sky Blues !" from the word go. And a great start. On 3 mins Michael Mifsud ran through the middle of the defence and was fouled just outside the area. Michael Doyle took the resulting free kick, it hit the wall and fell nicely for Mifsud, who finished easily. I erupted out of my seat. 1-0. 2 mins later, Adam Boyd went close for Orient, shooting wide from 20 yards. On 11 mins Coventry had a free kick on the left, Stephen Hughes took it from 27 yards out, a fantastic effort, hit the post and came out to Doyle who directed it towards goal, but it was cleared off the line by orient. I was giving directions to Marcus Hall on my near side, I told him to sit back a little. On 19 mins, Orient passed the ball through to Adam Boyd, and he finished the move off. I was shouting my head off at the players again, because yet again, the marking was very poor and closing down was nowhere to be seen. Awful goal to conceed. 1-1. On 25 mins, Orient had a free kick from the halfway line, and again, no marking and Gray had a chance for Orient, but he shot wide. More laughable defending. Something had to change. On 41mins, Mifsud picked up the ball in the centre circle, made his way towards the opposition penalty area with electrifying pace, put a superb ball through to leon best who's shot was saved. And that was the end of the first half. I was angry at the defending in that half, and I had to tell captain and centre half Arjan de Zeeuw that he needed to start bossing the defence, or we may well lose again.
At the start of the second half, nothing much happened inside the opening 10 mins, th only chance was an Orient corner headed behind for a goal kick. On 56 mins, Ellery Cairo went on a mazy run down the right wing, and whipped in a superb cross, but Leon Best's header went inches wide. Well played. And on 70 mins, we got another free kcik right outside the area bang in the centre in an almost identical position to when we took the lead, Michael Doyle took the free kick, and put a bullet straight into the top right hand corner. What a goal. 2-1, and the fans erupted and were chanting my name. Aftre the goal I made my 3 substitutions. Firstly, I brought Colin Hawkins on for Elliott Ward at centre back, Michael Hughes on for Stephen Hughes and finally Leon McKenzie for Jay Tabb. I gave all the lads a pat on the back and off we went again. On 2 mins, a poor clearance from the Orient keeper fell straight to cairo who headed the ball down for Leon Best, who shot wide. And that was the last action of the game. Full time, and a great win for the lads and the fans. A potential banana skin passed, and I was very pleased.
Coventry 2 - 1 Leyton Orient
Mifsud, Doyle
Marshall-7
D.Simpson-7
Hall-7
Ward-7
de Zeeuw-7
Cairo-7
S.Hughes-7
M.Doyle-8
Tabb-7
Best- 7
Mifsud-7
-----------
M.Hughes-6
McNamee-unused sub
Osbourne-unused sub
Hawkins-7
McKenzie-6
Man of the Match was Michael Doyle
Right, today we played our opening Carling Cup game at home to Leyton Orient, with the Hull defeat still in the back of our minds. We knew it would be a tough game with Leyton Orient bound to come at us, as they didn't have anything to lose. It was my first home match in charge, and I owed this game to the fans after a very poor start to the campaign in which I take full responsibility. I was eager to gt my first meaningful win on the board.
So, now just to update you about the transfer activity this week. Again, tThe only news is of Jhon Viafara who hasn't completed his move from Southampton yet, and the deal unorunatelymay well haven fallen through after a disareement with Sohamptn, however I still plan to try and bring Jhon (Viafara) in at least o lon until the endof the seasonwith a view to a permanent deal. However, with my luck with midfielders so far I wouldn't count your chickens, and this is no insult to the players, but we need strengthening if we are to hav a seious go at promotion becase its a very hard league as it is as anyone can beat anyone, for example Scunthorpe beating Leicester on Saturday.
In today's game, I hear that there will be a nearly full Ricoh Arena, and I have no intention of letting the fans down again. The fans will want to see us win well to get some confidence back into the team.
Now to the team news. Selection was hard today with 6 players out due to either suspension or injuury, the players out injured are Kevn Thornton, Donovan Simmonds, Dele Adebola and Julian Gray, and Ben Turner and Gary Borrowdale are suspended. I picked the best team I had left. 3 changes from the side that played Hull. Marcus Hall comes in to the team and plays at left back whilst McNamee drops to the bench, Isaac Osbourne also drops to the bench and is replaced by Stephen Hughes. And the final change is that Julian Gray is njured and isn't in the squad.
Here was the starting XI:
--------------------------Marshall
D.Simpson---de Zeeuw (c)---Ward---Hall
Cairo-------S.Hughes-------M.Doyle------Tabb
---------------------Best-------Mifsud
Subs (5): Michael Hughes, McNamee, Osbourne, Colin Hawkins, Leon McKenzie
I was a tad nervous of the fans' reactions when I arrived at the ground, but hoped I would get a warm welcome when I arrived. As I drove into the ground, there were 10 or 11 Coventry ans at the gates chanting my name, singing "Craig Tough's Sky Blues Army!" and this gave me a huge lift and I was now looking even more forward the game, and seeing a Sky Blue ocean in the Telegraph stand at the amazing Ricoh Arena. I got in the dresing rooms to see Ted (Jones) laying out all of the kit the players would be wearing, the all Sky Blue strip, and it took me back to when I was a kid, wishing I could pull on the Sky Blue shirt of Coventry City. And then I felt how lucky I was to be the gaffa.
What sound from the supporters. They were deafening, singing "Play Up Sky Blues !" from the word go. And a great start. On 3 mins Michael Mifsud ran through the middle of the defence and was fouled just outside the area. Michael Doyle took the resulting free kick, it hit the wall and fell nicely for Mifsud, who finished easily. I erupted out of my seat. 1-0. 2 mins later, Adam Boyd went close for Orient, shooting wide from 20 yards. On 11 mins Coventry had a free kick on the left, Stephen Hughes took it from 27 yards out, a fantastic effort, hit the post and came out to Doyle who directed it towards goal, but it was cleared off the line by orient. I was giving directions to Marcus Hall on my near side, I told him to sit back a little. On 19 mins, Orient passed the ball through to Adam Boyd, and he finished the move off. I was shouting my head off at the players again, because yet again, the marking was very poor and closing down was nowhere to be seen. Awful goal to conceed. 1-1. On 25 mins, Orient had a free kick from the halfway line, and again, no marking and Gray had a chance for Orient, but he shot wide. More laughable defending. Something had to change. On 41mins, Mifsud picked up the ball in the centre circle, made his way towards the opposition penalty area with electrifying pace, put a superb ball through to leon best who's shot was saved. And that was the end of the first half. I was angry at the defending in that half, and I had to tell captain and centre half Arjan de Zeeuw that he needed to start bossing the defence, or we may well lose again.
At the start of the second half, nothing much happened inside the opening 10 mins, th only chance was an Orient corner headed behind for a goal kick. On 56 mins, Ellery Cairo went on a mazy run down the right wing, and whipped in a superb cross, but Leon Best's header went inches wide. Well played. And on 70 mins, we got another free kcik right outside the area bang in the centre in an almost identical position to when we took the lead, Michael Doyle took the free kick, and put a bullet straight into the top right hand corner. What a goal. 2-1, and the fans erupted and were chanting my name. Aftre the goal I made my 3 substitutions. Firstly, I brought Colin Hawkins on for Elliott Ward at centre back, Michael Hughes on for Stephen Hughes and finally Leon McKenzie for Jay Tabb. I gave all the lads a pat on the back and off we went again. On 2 mins, a poor clearance from the Orient keeper fell straight to cairo who headed the ball down for Leon Best, who shot wide. And that was the last action of the game. Full time, and a great win for the lads and the fans. A potential banana skin passed, and I was very pleased.
Coventry 2 - 1 Leyton Orient
Mifsud, Doyle
Marshall-7
D.Simpson-7
Hall-7
Ward-7
de Zeeuw-7
Cairo-7
S.Hughes-7
M.Doyle-8
Tabb-7
Best- 7
Mifsud-7
-----------
M.Hughes-6
McNamee-unused sub
Osbourne-unused sub
Hawkins-7
McKenzie-6
Man of the Match was Michael Doyle
COVENTRY DECIDE AGAINST BERNARD
Coventry reject trialist Olivier Bernard. The former Newcastle united left back's contract was cancelled by Newcastle after Bernard got a groin injury, and has recently got back. Tough said the Frenchman "wasn't up to scratch." and Bernard revealed he was disappointed but would battle hard to find a club.
VIAFARA FAILS IN MOVE TO COVENTRY
George Burley has said on Sky Sports News that his want away midfielder Jhon Viafara will ve staying at the club. Burley, Southampton manager, cancelled talks with Coventry about the midfielder in the last minute just as Viafara was about to put pen to paper. Coventry manager Craig Tough has said he is "bitterly disappointed" not to get Viafara, also said he still plans to get a midfielder in before the end of the transfer window, despite a number of setbacks. Although admitting he may have to consider a loan move.
COVENTRY MAKE LOAN BID FOR NEWCASTLE TALENT
Craig Tough has made a 5 month loan bid for Newcastle's South African talent, Matty Pattison. The deal is said to be worth ?100K.
COVENTRY DRAW STOKE
Coventry City have drawn Stoke City in the next round of the Carling Cup. Coventry who got past tricky Leyton Orient in the last round, also play Stoke in the Championship next week.
Jaztheman
Chairman of Selectors
Nice win and Matty Pattison is quite good, good enough for your side. It's only Leyton Orient though so you really were expected to win.
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