Season Preview: Coventry City

Last updated : 05 August 2005 By Kev Monks
How did you fare last season?
Coventry finished sixth from bottom

How do you expect you'll do this season?
Well with no money and debts still around the £20m mark, a mid table finish is all we can expect.

What have you done on the transfer market this summer? Which of your new signings are you expecting most from?
Nothing major on the transfer market with four signings and two on loan. Richard Duffy will probably be the best of them.

Where do you think you'll need to strengthen in the January transfer window?
Micky Adams is still after five players, but is unlikely to get them before the August transfer window closes so he likely to go for them in January if the board back him. We'll need a keeper,a right sided midfielder and a proven striker for starters.

Have you any promising youngsters breaking into the team?
Kevin Thornton is one who has pushed through the Academy and reserves and was involved during pre-season. Coventry-born Craig Reid could also feature this season.

Have you got the right man in charge of the team? Will he still be there at the end of the season?
At least Micky Adams has played for the club,so at least he knows something about us. He knows we need stability and will do his best to achieve it. With no money around, he'll still be in charge at the end of the season unless he has resigned.

Is the club being run well? Are you likely to be singing 'Sack the board' any time soon?
Having off-loaded our CEO who was a major problem,the board are accepted as we owe them too much money. So unless there is a buy out, we're stuck with them and have to make the best of it.

Which team do you most want to beat and why?
Leicester City, our nearest team and now deadly enemies since we got relegated and stopped playing Aston Villa. Six points off Leicester and most City fans will be happy for the season.

Who do you think's going up?
Norwich, Southampton and Crystal Palace will all be there or thereabouts come April 30th.

Who do you think's going down?
Crewe who by rights should not even be in this division, Brighton could join them and possibly Watford.

How do you reckon Hull City will fare in the Championship?
Promotion three times on the trot is a tall order. Hull will find what a tough division this is to get out of. It's all about being consistent. All Hull have to do is to consolidate their place in the Championship this time round and then go for it the year after.

Kev Monks is editor of Coventry City Mad