Barry, Gerry & Peaky enjoy the November 3-goal Ricoh Experience

Barry (right) and Billy

As previously announced our special guest at last Saturday’s F.A. Cup home game (3rd November) against Southern League Arlesey Town was mid-seventies Sky Blue attacking midfield star Barry Powell.  Barry said he had a very enjoyable day at the Ricoh and was pleased to see the Sky Blues (eventually) cruise to a three goals to nil victory. He toured the corporate lounges at the Arena after being entertained to lunch (and is pictured right) being interviewed in the Legends Lounge by Billy Bell, vice chairman of the Association (a friendly grilling recreated later, after the match, on the stage of Lady G’s in the Casino).

Barry also was welcomed by the half-time crowd on the Ricoh pitch where he drew the Club’s raffle and was also the match day guest of BBC C&WR where during the game he treated listeners to match analysis and comment on the game drawing upon his extensive knowledge and experience, both as a player and coach.

Gerry with Jim Brown (left), Billy Bell (right) and Bob Bromage (behind)

As well as the ‘Legends Lounge Frequent Flyers’ – former players who are regular attenders at home games – the Association was also delighted to welcome a rarer visitor to games at Coventry, Gerry Baker, who played mostly at no.8 at Highfield Road for the Sky Blues from 1967-70. A United States international Gerry was signed from Ipswich Town by new manager Noel Cantwell and, before stepping down to play for Margate United, had scored 6 times in 34 appearances for the Sky Blues. Gerry, also had a great time meeting former colleagues and is pictured above right with several members of the CCFPA Committee in the Casino after the game.

Last Tuesday night’s 3-1 victory over Crawley Town (6th November) saw 1986-87 F.A. Cup winning hero Trevor Peake join us as our special guest for this game with the high flying West Sussex outfit.  Trevor who retains a soft spot for CCFC despite being a successful Academy coach with M69 rivals Leicester City was also pleased to perform exactly the same duties as undertaken by Barry and received the same very warm welcome from former colleagues and fans alike.  We are delighted that ‘Peakey’ also saw a triplet of home goals from the Sky Blues and we hope that Ian Gibson, next Saturday’s guest for the Scunthorpe United home game at the Ricoh, will also be able to witness a hat-trick of home trebles and the Sky Blues start to climb the League One table!