Coventry City

Coventry City used to be a thing. They were founded in 1883, took their current name in 1898, and made the Football League after World War I. Legendary manager Jimmy Hill, who also hosted Match of the Day on BBC for many years and whose face is on a banner over empty seats at every game, got them to the top tier in 1967, and they stayed there for…

There are many in the area to choose from, and historically it was Aston Villa and Leicester City. But those clubs are in a different league now. Birmingham and Wolves get some mention, and when Coventry City was in the lower leagues, it was more about Walsall and Burton

Coventry City doesn’t have a women’s team, but Coventry United, a 9th-tier men’s club in town, does. They play in the FA Women’s National League North at tier 3 of the pyramid, with home games at Butts Park Arena in

There are two main ones to know. One is “Let’s All Sing Together,” also known as “Play Up Sky Blues,” which was actually written by Jimmy Hill. The lyrics have been updated to include bigger teams than in the original: Let’s all sing together Play up, Sky Blues! While we sing together We will never lose. Tottenham or Chelsea United or anyone,…

The Coventry Building Society Arena, at 32,609 seats with a casino and shopping center, is a perfectly modern stadium. It lacks charm, but it’s easy to reach and has good views of the pitch from all over. Away fans will be in the South Stand. TOURS:

GETTING THERE: Couldn’t be simpler: the Coventry Arena Rail Station is right next to the stadium. PUBS: If you happen to be in Coventry, over by the cathedral, look for the Golden Cross, which dates to 1583 (though it’s been massively redeveloped recently) and has a good menu of pub classics. The Artisan Bar and Grill is also nice, and just near…