Features
International SBA
NOTE: This old page for The Sky Blue Army Worldwide never really took off, but I've retained it here as a feature, so the concept can possibly be revived in the future, if there is demand.
If you are an overseas Cov supporter, or if you have anything to do with overseas Cov supporters, then this is YOUR page. A forum for the International Sky Blue Army to share whatever's on their mind. Announce future gatherings of CCFC fans, both here and overseas, share your memories, photos etc. with us. Just do what you feel, man!
Are YOU a fan in Uganda who got your picture taken with Willie Boland? Do YOU have an erotic anecdote about the time you had anal sex with Magnus Hedman's girlfriend when you were accidentally locked in a Gothenburg leisure centre overnight? Are YOU coming over to the UK to see a game and want some poor sod to put you up for several weeks?
If you're an overseas type with summat you want to share with the world via this page, then don't hesitate to mail me your contributions!
CITY FANS TUNE IN IN MILAN
from Adrian Dinneen in Switzerland:"I grew up partly in Finham (which used to be a number 4 bus to Broadgate - 35 years ago). I have lived abroad since I was 16, but I have always followed the Sky Blues.
I remember a time I had to go to Milan on a job, and to my surprise, I met a Coventry City fan there (an ex-pat Brit). He invited me to his appartment on the Saturday afternoon to listen to the BBC world service. To my utter astonishment, there were four other brits, all of them Coventry fans. I hadn't found that many Coventry fans in over 20 years of international travel. I remember that Coventry lost that Saturday, but we still had a great time.
Unfortunately I lost contact with the guys in Milan, and as far as I know I am the only Coventry fan in the whole of Switzerland."
Any other Swiss SBA out there who want to make contact with Adrian? Are the 'Milan gang' up for a reunion sometime? If you're out there, then drop Adrian an e-mail. I'm sure he'd appreciate it, living in such a lonely and expensive place!
BEEN THERE. DONE THAT. BOUGHT THE T-SHIRT
Mr. Bob Nelson (right) of California presents the legendary Steve Ogrizovic with an 'Houdini' T-shirt during his April '98 'invasion'.MEMORIES OF A CITY RELEGATION
from Rob Colley in Papua New Guinea:"I grew up in Stoke close to the Binley Road and walked to the ground. Although I believe I went earlier the first game I remember was a 3-0 victory against Bury at Xmas 1951.Then I was hooked and went at every possible opportunity.Unfortunately that year we were relegated and until the coming of Jimmy Hill we had generally a poor team signing hasbeens and neverwases, except for '58 when we were 2nd in the 4th division. Nonetheless there were some great characters in those days.
I went to Bablake School where there was only rugby. I was a reasonable player in the local leagues, and put this in front of CCFC. However, we usually kicked off at 2.30 and, in the early years of Jimmy Hill, CC kicked off at 3.15 so if we could we rushed to the ground where they opened the gates 20 mins from time. In later years Tommy Hutchison was my favourite player and the last time I went to Highfield Road was in Sept '88 - a 3-0 win against Charlton.
A few years ago I bought a video called Sky Blue Heaven which featured games from the early '70's, most of which I had seen at the time. Nowadays I am limited to a one hour Premiership highlights programme on Monday nights. Usually Coventry is on for about 20 seconds!"
Is Rob the only CCFC fan in Papua New Guinea? If you're another example of this rare and exotic breed, why not make contact with Rob and reminisce.
NOT ALL AMERICANS WHO ADOPT AN ENGLISH SIDE GO FOR MAN U
from Scott Candell in Miami, Florida:"I am relatively new to being a Coventry supporter as well as an English Soccer (football) fan....
I have always played soccer here in the States and been a fan of pitiful leagues like the NASL and MLS until they eventually fold for lack of support. It wasnt until I spent a summer in London in 1994 that I became attracted to English Football. For a couple of years, I followed the sport generally, until I finally felt it necessary to swing my allegiance to one team. I chose Coventry based upon my desire to not be a bandwagon-jumping fan who follows Man U, Liverpool, Arsenal, etc. simply because they are regular title contenders. I sought nobility in latching on with a team such as Coventry - hard working, disappointing and exhilirating all at once.
I enjoy a strange sense of belonging while enduring the range of emotions that accompany being a coventry supporter. I don't get to see a whole lot of games here (maybe 2 or 3 a year), but I follow as closely as possible."
Scott sets a great example to the overseas Glory Hunters - if you stand alone, you'll one day get to sing together.