95-667: José Miguel da Rocha Fonte ComM (born 22 December 1983) is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for and captains Primeira Liga club Casa Pia . Fonte started his professional career with Sporting CP B , moving to England with Crystal Palace in 2007. He signed for Southampton in 2010, where he made 288 appearances in all competitions, until he joined West Ham United in January 2017. He then represented Dalian Yifang in China and Lille in France, winning
190-789: A fourth-round defeat to Watford , followed a season later by one of the biggest upsets in FA Cup history when they lost 2–1 to non-league Sutton United in the third round. They finished seventh in the league that season, however, their highest finish since 1978. A last-day escape in 1991–92 earned Coventry a place in the newly-formed Premier League . Bryan Richardson took over as club chairman in summer 1993, making large sums of money available for players over subsequent years. With Ron Atkinson and then Gordon Strachan as manager, Coventry signed several high-profile players such as Dion Dublin , Moustapha Hadji , Peter Ndlovu and Robbie Keane , but did not finish higher than 11th place for
285-489: A 3–2 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers, following two stoppage time goals from Ellis Simms and Haji Wright . In the semi-finals, Coventry fought back from 3–0 down against Manchester United to level the match in stoppage time with the help of a converted penalty from Haji Wright before losing the match by 4–2 penalties. Coventry's home shirts are either completely or predominantly sky blue. However, in past seasons, different 'home colours' were worn. For example, in 1889,
380-406: A 4–0 home defeat by Manchester City in which he conceded a penalty by bringing down Raheem Sterling . On 4 November 2017, after a league match against one of his former teams, Crystal Palace, it was confirmed Fonte had suffered a foot injury that would sideline him for the rest of the year. Fonte completed a transfer to Chinese Super League club Dalian Yifang on 23 February 2018, joining for
475-595: A European place. In 1980–81, Coventry reached their first major semi-final, losing to West Ham United in the League Cup . Hill returned to the club as managing director in 1975, and was elevated to chairman in 1980. He initiated several transformations at the club, including the conversion of Highfield Road to England's first all-seat stadium in 1981, and the opening of a sports centre and training ground in Ryton-on-Dunsmore . Hill attempted to rename
570-485: A contingency plan in place to play elsewhere for the 2013–14 season. It was argued by the club that this was due to ACL (Arena Coventry Limited), which managed the stadium, being unwilling to negotiate with the club to agree to a new lease. However, that led to the local newspaper, the Coventry Telegraph , starting a petition to stop Coventry City from playing outside of Coventry. It was sent to all 72 clubs in
665-575: A higher-placed finish than the Birmingham club. In September 1939, the league season was aborted after three games due to the start of World War II . Many supporters at the time blamed the war for robbing the team of a probable imminent promotion to the First Division, although several top players including Bourton had been sold by 1939, and attendances had begun to fall. Coventry continued playing some friendly games until November 1940, when
760-503: A makeshift striker when required. Fonte signed for Southampton on 9 January 2010 for a fee believed to be around the region of £1.2 million, signing a three-and-a-half-year contract. He made his debut one week later alongside two other recent signings, Jon Otsemobor and Danny Seaborne , in a 1–1 draw away to Millwall . His first goal for Southampton came on 28 August, in a 4–0 away win over Bristol Rovers . After scoring seven league goals and helping Southampton win promotion to
855-422: A new three-year deal with Southampton running until June 2017, and was also named team captain . He made his 250th league appearance for the club on 16 October 2016, in a 3–1 home win against Burnley . On 20 January 2017, Fonte signed for Premier League club West Ham United for a reported fee of £8 million (plus potential add-ons) on a two-and-a-half-year contract. He made his league debut on 1 February, in
950-536: A number of people performing the most diverse functions such as ambassadors, businesspeople, military personnel, athletes and musicians. The Order of Merit has its origin in April 1927, when the Order of Instruction and Benefaction (Original Portuguese: Ordem da Instrução e da Benemerência ) was created. The goal of this now extinct order was to distinguish the services performed by people or corporations in order to further
1045-551: A one-year deal. Fonte was called up to the Portuguese B squad for the Vale do Tejo tournament in 2006. On 24 January, he played against Slovenia as the match ended with a penalty shoot-out loss after a 1–1 draw. On 3 October 2014, aged nearly 31, Fonte received his first call-up to the senior team , for a friendly with France and a UEFA Euro 2016 qualifier against Denmark . He made his debut in another friendly, playing
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#17327903694031140-420: A property developer and lease it back, before construction had started. On the field, Coventry were forced by the rising debts to sell their top players without replacement, and were finally relegated in 2000–01 , ending 34 years of continuous tenure in the top flight. In their first season back in the second tier , Coventry occupied 4th place with seven games remaining, but ultimately finished 11th, outside
1235-490: A relocation to another site within the city. However it was later confirmed that Coventry City would remain at the Ricoh Arena for another year. In May 2016 the Coventry Telegraph broke the news that the club had drawn up plans with Coventry Rugby Club for a ground-share arrangement at a redeveloped Butts Park Arena . That was eventually denied by Rugby Club chairman Jon Sharp, who said there could be no deal with
1330-409: A reported fee of £5 million. On 15 July, he terminated his contract. Fonte signed for French Ligue 1 club Lille on 20 July 2018, signing a two-year contract. He made his debut on 18 August as the season began with a goalless draw at Monaco , and scored his first goal on 22 September to open a 2–1 win at home to Nantes while assisting the other goal by Jonathan Ikoné . On 16 December, he
1425-508: A second-half penalty for a kick at Enes Ünal inside the penalty area. However, Burak Yılmaz , his teammate at Lille, missed the shot and the game ended 3–1 for Portugal, who then qualified for the final playoff game. In October, he was named in Portugal's preliminary 55-man squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. However, he did not make the final cut. Fonte's younger brother, Rui ,
1520-495: A senior, in the third division . He signed with Salgueiros in 2004, but the club was in severe financial difficulties and was liquidated shortly thereafter; as a result, he terminated his contract and transferred to Felgueiras in the Segunda Liga . In the 2005 off-season, Fonte made his Primeira Liga debut with Vitória de Setúbal , where his performances attracted the eye of Benfica , who signed him in January 2006. He
1615-670: A social media campaign entitled #bringCityhome by the Coventry Telegraph and a protest march by the Sky Blue Trust supporters' group. The campaign drew praise from national media and figures within the football world. It was short-listed at the 2014 British Press Awards in the "Campaign of the Year" category. Because the tenancy agreement with Wasps was to expire in August 2018, it was reported in November 2015 that there would be
1710-430: A standing terrace later that year. The Taylor Report of 1990 led to a requirement that all top-flight teams should switch to all-seater. This led to what proved to be the final major development at Highfield Road, the construction of the new East Stand. The stadium hosted its last league game in a 6–2 Coventry win over Derby County in 2005 and was subsequently demolished to make way for a new housing development. For
1805-925: Is a Portuguese Honorific Order of civil merit intended to award those responsible for meritorious acts or services performed in the exercise of any functions, both in the public and the private sphere, which reveal self-sacrifice in favor of the community. The decorations are given by the President of the Portuguese Republic , in his role as the Grand-Master of the Portuguese Honorific Orders. The Order of Merit can be awarded, during life or posthumously, to both Portuguese and foreign citizens; it can also be awarded to localities or institutions that are legal persons governed by public law or of public utility. This order has been awarded to
1900-524: Is also a footballer. A forward, the two were teammates at Sporting (at youth level), Crystal Palace and Lille. Their father, Artur , played 12 seasons in the Portuguese top division. Scores and results list Portugal's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Fonte goal . Southampton Lille Braga Portugal Individual Orders Order of Merit (Portugal) The Order of Merit ( Portuguese : Ordem do Mérito )
1995-542: The Bescot Stadium or attempt to stay at the Ricoh Arena, following the appointment of new owners. However, by July 2013, the Walsall rumours were denied and the club ground-shared at Northampton Town 's Sixfields Stadium – a venue that had less than a quarter the capacity of the Ricoh Arena, and involved a round-trip of 70 miles (110 km). That arrangement was due to continue until at least 2016. Plans for
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#17327903694032090-498: The Birmingham & District League in 1894, competing against strong reserve sides from established regional teams such as Aston Villa . Coventry residents not connected to the cycle company began supporting the club, and it was renamed Coventry City in 1898. Highfield Road opened in 1899, but its construction caused a financial crisis and subsequent salary disputes with the players. The club endured several poor seasons on
2185-714: The Birmingham County Football Association in 1884 and played around forty games in their first four years at Dowells Field in the Stoke area. In early seasons they lacked a regular playing staff and sometimes lacked equipment such as goal nets. In 1887, the club moved to the larger Stoke Road Ground, which had rudimentary stands, and they charged an entrance fee for the first time. The following five seasons were very successful, culminating in back-to-back Birmingham Junior Cup titles in 1891 and 1892. Singers turned professional in 1892 and joined
2280-580: The Coventry Blitz damaged the stadium and brought all football in the city to a halt. Friendly matches resumed again in 1942, as parts of Highfield Road had been rebuilt, and the team joined the Midland Regional League. Storer left Coventry for Birmingham City after the war, and many of the 1939 squad had retired by 1945. New manager Dick Bayliss assembled a squad with a mixture of pre-war players and newcomers, but his tenure
2375-731: The Coventry Building Society Arena. The name change came into effect in July 2021 as a part of a 10-year naming rights deal with the building society . On 8 August 2021, Coventry City played Nottingham Forest at the Coventry Building Society Arena in the club's first game back at the ground in 2 years and their first Championship game in Coventry since 2012. They won the match 2–1. On 16 September 2021, Coventry City owner Joy Seppala told
2470-601: The EFL Championship , the second tier of English football . The club is nicknamed after the sky blue colours that were part of the club's early years, before making a return in 1962. Coventry City formed as Singers F.C. in 1883 following a general meeting of the Singer Gentleman's club. They adopted their current name in 1898 and joined the Southern League in 1908, before being selected into
2565-802: The Football League in 1919. Relegated in 1925, they returned to the Second Division as champions of the Third Division South and Third Division South Cup winners in 1935–36. Relegated in 1952, they won promotion in the inaugural Fourth Division season in 1958–59. Coventry reached the First Division after winning the Third Division title in 1963–64 and the Second Division title in 1966– 67 under
2660-516: The Ligue 1 title with the latter in the 2020–21 season . A Portuguese international from age 30, Fonte was part of the Portugal squads at two UEFA European Championships and the 2018 FIFA World Cup , winning UEFA Euro 2016 . Born in Penafiel , Fonte finished his football education (after already having played there from ages 10 to 13) at Sporting CP . He only appeared with Sporting CP B as
2755-684: The Lisbon -based club finished in ninth position. In July 2007, Fonte moved on loan to Crystal Palace in England, being introduced in the team's starting line-up after a run of injuries. The move was made permanent at the end of the 2007–08 season , as Palace finished fifth and qualified to the promotion play-offs. Fonte continued to feature regularly with the Londoners in the Football League Championship , even appearing as
2850-776: The Premier League in 1992. They won the FA Cup in 1987, the club's only major trophy, when they beat Tottenham Hotspur 3–2. They experienced further relegations in 2012 and 2017, though did manage to win the EFL Trophy in 2017 . Coventry returned to Wembley in 2018 , beating Exeter City in the League Two play-off final. Manager Mark Robins built on this success guiding the Sky Blues to eighth in League One
2945-554: The Rudge Cycle Company team, with games between the two clubs attracted crowds as high as 4,000 by the end of the 1880s. In 1899, shortly after Singers became Coventry City, they were forced to vacate Stoke Road due to an extension of King Richard Street and a housing development to accommodate Coventry's rising population. The club acquired a site previously owned by the Craven Cricket Club and built
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3040-467: The Second Division for the 1919–20 season , the first played after the war. In preparation for league football, the club invested in new players and increased Highfield Road's capacity to 40,000. They avoided finishing last in 1919–20 when they won their final game against Bury , but this result was later found to be rigged , the club receiving a heavy fine in 1923. In 1924–25 , after their sixth successive relegation battle, Coventry finished bottom of
3135-451: The Third round FA Cup tie versus Southampton, the team wore a commemorative blue and white striped kit, marking the 25th anniversary of the club winning the FA Cup in 1987 . The strip was worn again in January 2013 for Coventry's 3rd round FA Cup fixture with Tottenham Hotspur, whom they beat in the 1987 final. In 2019, Coventry City announced a new third kit in black and white honouring
3230-532: The play-off places. The new stadium opened in 2005, having been reduced in size and delayed several times; the club had previously sold its 50% share to the Alan Higgs charity to repay debts. The club's financial situation remained poor, and by 2007 they faced the possibility of being forced out of business; this was averted when the club was bought by hedge fund owner Sisu Capital. Led by chairman Ray Ranson , Coventry signed several promising youngsters in
3325-581: The 2005–06 season, Coventry City moved to the new 32,609-capacity Coventry Building Society Arena (then named the Ricoh Arena) after 106 years at Highfield Road. In 1998, the club had decided that it was time to relocate to a new stadium in the Rowleys Green area of the city, 3 + 1 ⁄ 2 miles (5.6 km) north of the city centre and close to junction 3 of the M6 motorway . The original plan
3420-421: The 2021–22 season. The deal, described by the club's owners as "the best the club has had in terms of commercial revenue" during their time at the stadium, would not affect the longer-term goal of constructing a new stadium. The new deal also included a seven-year break clause should the club require it. On 5 May 2021, it was announced that the Ricoh Arena would be renamed for the first time, when it would become
3515-514: The BBC the club remained "firmly committed" to a new stadium, planned for a site owned by the University of Warwick. The club were forced to move at least 1 match away from Coventry again in August 2022 when their EFL Cup match against Bristol City was held at Burton Albion 's Pirelli Stadium due to the pitch being deemed "unsafe". Arena Coventry entered Administration in November 2022 and
3610-564: The Championship at the end of the season, earning a play-off place . After beating Middlesbrough in the semi-final they played in the 2023 EFL Championship play-off final at Wembley, missing out on promotion to the Premier League after a 6–5 penalty shoot-out defeat against Luton Town . In the 2023–24 season, Coventry City progressed to the semi-finals of the FA Cup for the first time since their 1986–87 FA Cup victory with
3705-458: The Coventry Building Society Arena in August 2021, ending the ground-share agreement between Coventry and Birmingham. In July 2020, the club confirmed that they had commenced a partnership with the University of Warwick which would see land provided for a new stadium. In March 2021, the club announced that they had secured a ten-year agreement to return to the Ricoh Arena from the start of
3800-529: The European Commission declined to hear an appeal. The Sisu era at Coventry City ended in 2023, when local businessman Doug King purchased the club. King had also attempted to acquire the CBS Arena, after both Wasps and the stadium holding company had fallen into administration, but his bid came too late and the stadium was eventually sold to Mike Ashley . Coventry went on to finish fifth in
3895-518: The Football League and Football League chairman Greg Clarke . In May 2013, managing director Tim Fisher set a plan of building a new stadium within the city over the next three years, and ground-sharing whilst the new ground was being built. In June 2013, ACL made an offer that Coventry City F.C. could play at the Ricoh Arena rent free while the club was in administration. It was believed that Coventry City might ground-share with Walsall at
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3990-570: The League One championship via a points-per-game system after the season was curtailed due to the COVID-19 pandemic . At the time of curtailment in March 2020, they led the table with 67 points from 34 games. They were exiled from the Ricoh Arena again from 2019 to 2021, playing their home games at St Andrew's in Birmingham, amid ongoing legal action by Sisu over the 2014 purchase of the stadium by rugby club Wasps , which concluded only in 2022 when
4085-412: The Ricoh Arena was played against Gillingham on 5 September 2014. Steve Waggott, who led the negotiations for the club, said: "We are delighted to get this deal done and I am sure every supporter of Coventry City will be thrilled with the news." City won their first match back at the Ricoh Arena 1–0 with Frank Nouble scoring the only goal of the match in front of 27,306 supporters. The return followed
4180-538: The appointment of J.G. Morgan as club secretary, who transformed the club's operations and was the first to hold a manager role. Unlike Dowells Field, Stoke Ground was fully enclosed by hedges and trees and featured a small stand and entrances close to the White Lion and Binley Oak pubs. An admission fee of two pence was charged for attendance at games. Singers' biggest rivals during the Stoke Road years were
4275-495: The beginning of the 'sky blue revolution'. The colour made its return in 1962 thanks to the then manager, Jimmy Hill. To mark the 125th year of the club, Coventry wore a special brown shirt in the last home game of the 2008–09 season against Watford, having first worn a chocolate brown away kit in 1978. This kit has been cited by some as the worst in English football history, but also has an iconic status with some fans. In 2012, in
4370-408: The city's connection with 2 Tone Records on the 40th anniversary of the record label. Since the 2019–20 season, the kit is made by Hummel . The home, away and third kit is sponsored by Monzo as the main club sponsor across the front of the shirt and King of Shaves on the reverse. The first official kit manufacture deal came in 1974 when Umbro signed a deal with the club. Coventry also had
4465-490: The club "Coventry Talbot", after their sponsors , but this was rejected by the Football Association . To pay for the developments, the club sold top players including popular striker Tommy Hutchison , and results suffered. Hill was forced out of the club in 1983 and terraces reintroduced two years later. Despite surviving relegation battles for four successive seasons, with three changes of manager, by 1986
4560-418: The club had assembled a strong squad. Under duo George Curtis and John Sillett , they spent most of the following season in the top eight, and advanced to the 1987 FA Cup final . In a match later described by Steven Pye of The Guardian ' as a "classic final", Coventry beat Tottenham Hotspur 3–2 at Wembley which, as of 2024 , is the club's only major trophy to date. Coventry's FA Cup defence ended with
4655-620: The club has struggled with the new stadium lease since moving. Coventry City was founded in 1883 as Singers F.C., following a meeting between William Stanley and seven colleagues from the Singer Cycle Company at the Lord Aylesford Inn in Hillfields . It was one of several 19th century clubs linked to Coventry's bicycle factories, and the company founder George Singer was its first president. Singers joined
4750-409: The club record. Two further 100-goal seasons followed, the first time in the league that a team had achieved three in a row, and Coventry recorded their largest ever league victory in April 1934, 9–0 against Bristol City . Despite scoring heavily, Coventry missed out on promotion every season until 1935–36 , when they finished as Third Division North champions. The club continued their good form in
4845-444: The club to play its home matches outside of the city were met with strong opposition, and led to protests by Coventry fans. Member of parliament for Coventry South , Jim Cunningham , described the move as "a disgrace". On 21 August 2014 it was announced that an agreement had been reached allowing the club to return to the Ricoh Arena for the next two years with the option of another two years. Coventry City's first home game back at
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#17327903694034940-441: The club was in danger of dissolution. It was saved in part by the abandonment of competitive football in mid-1915 due to World War I . The club's debts were then paid off by benefactor David Cooke in 1917. During the war, they played some friendly matches against local clubs and joined a temporary wartime division for 1918–19 . In 1919, Coventry submitted a successful application to join the Football League and were placed into
5035-525: The club's worst ever attendance was recorded with a gate of 2,059 for a match against Crystal Palace . In addition to poor form on the field, the club ran into financial difficulties by the end of the 1920s, having to rely on fundraisers by supporters and a cash injection by Cooke, who had become club president. A committee of enquiry in 1928 concluded that the club was being mismanaged, leading to resignation of chairman W. Carpenter and his replacement by Walter Brandish . The club's form began to improve under
5130-450: The competition in a 2–2 home draw with Fulham on 7 October, the second arriving in the last minute . On 24 August 2013, he scored a header in the 89th minute of the home game against Sunderland , rescuing a point for his team. On 23 January 2014, Fonte was attacked by teammate Dani Osvaldo during a training session. Subsequently, the latter was loaned out to Juventus during the winter transfer window . On 8 August 2014, Fonte penned
5225-404: The early Sisu years, but they failed to achieve on-field success. Sisu began reducing investment from 2009 as debts mounted, leading eventually to Ranson's resignation in 2011. They were relegated to League One in 2012 , and were forced to groundshare with Northampton Town for more than a year from 2013, following a rent dispute with the Ricoh Arena owners. Coventry City Football Club Ltd
5320-519: The east of the ground, known as the Spion Kop , was opened in 1922, and in 1927 a roof was added over part of the western terrace, taken from Twickenham Stadium and funded by the supporters' club. In 1936, a new main stand was built and in the club also bought the freehold of the ground from the Mercers' Company , following a £20,000 loan by automotive entrepreneur John Siddeley . The stadium
5415-404: The field, having to re-apply for membership of the league three times in the space of five years. In 1901, Coventry suffered their worst ever defeat with an 11–2 loss against Worcester-based Berwick Rangers in the qualifying round of the FA Cup . The club became a limited company in July 1907 and the team was more successful the following season, reaching the first round proper of the FA Cup for
5510-604: The final , in which Portugal beat the hosts France 1–0. Fonte was named in the final 23-man squads for both the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and Portugal's victorious campaign in the 2019 UEFA Nations League Finals , as well as the delayed UEFA Euro 2020 , where he did not leave the bench. On 9 October 2021, aged 37, he scored his first goal for the national team, in a 3–0 home win over Qatar . On 24 March 2022, aged 38, Fonte earned his 50th cap in Portugal's World Cup qualifying Play-off match , against Turkey , where he gave away
5605-493: The first kit sponsorship deal in the football league, when Jimmy Hill, then chairman of the club, negotiated a deal with Talbot , who manufactured cars in the city. Isuzu (away) Coventry's first ground was at Dowells Field, where they played as Singers F.C. from their founding in 1883 until 1887. It was located in the Stoke area south of Binley Road close to a landmark called Robinsons Pit, in an area of fields which belonged at
5700-490: The first time before being eliminated by Crystal Palace . In 1908, Coventry joined the Southern League , at the time the third-strongest English division. In their second season, Coventry reached the FA Cup quarter-final, beating top-flight teams Preston and Nottingham Forest before losing to Everton. Another two successful seasons followed but in 1914 the club was relegated, amid renewed financial problems. Its economic health worsened as attendances dropped sharply, and
5795-408: The football club while it was still owned by SISU. On 7 June 2019 it was reported that talks between SISU and Wasps had again broken down meaning that Coventry would have to play their 2019–20 home matches at Birmingham City's St Andrew's ground. The club had the option to spend a further two seasons away from Coventry and remained at St Andrew's for the 2020–21 season. The club returned to
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#17327903694035890-422: The ground forced Coventry City to play their first three games of the season away and postpone their home games. On Saturday 20 August 2005, City hosted Queens Park Rangers in the first-ever game at the Ricoh Arena; Coventry won the game 3–0. On 28 July 2011, a statue of Jimmy Hill was installed at the main entrance to the Ricoh Arena, with Hill appearing in person to unveil it. On 3 May 2013, Coventry City put
5985-412: The ground was a 1–0 win against Stoke City with an attendance of 3,000, but the club went on to finish bottom of the Birmingham & District League in the opening season. A run to the FA Cup quarter finals in 1910 saw a then-record 18,995 attendance at Highfield Road, and the club spent the revenue generated by the cup run on the construction of a new stand on the northern side. A new terrace at
6080-596: The instruction in the country. In 1929, the Order of Instruction and Benefaction was split in two different orders, the Order of Benefaction and the Order of Public Instruction , with the former now solely awarding acts related to social causes, public assistance and goodwill. In 1976, the order was renamed to its current title. Coventry City F.C. Coventry City Football Club is a professional football club based in Coventry , West Midlands, England. The club plays in
6175-432: The lease included that City would be the sole tenant of the CBS Arena throughout the lease, would move back into the original home dressing room (previously used by Wasps), a new club shop, and enhanced Sky Blues branding in the concourse. In February 2007 a Former Players' Association was launched. Set up by club historian and statistician Jim Brown, former 1980s player Kirk Stephens and a committee of volunteers, its aim
6270-552: The management of Jimmy Hill . In the 1970–71 season, the team competed in the European Inter-Cities Fairs Cup , reaching the second round. Despite beating Bayern Munich 2–1 in the home leg, they had lost 6–1 in the first leg in Germany, and thus were eliminated. Coventry's only period in the top division to date lasted 34 consecutive years between 1967 and 2001, and the club were inaugural members of
6365-410: The managing of the club's finances by previous club officials, because in 2001 the club was the fourth-longest serving club in the top flight of English football. The stadium naming rights were originally sold to Jaguar Cars , which has strong links with Coventry. Jaguar pulled out of the project on 16 December 2004 and a new major sponsor was needed. A £10 million deal, which included naming rights,
6460-420: The mid-1970s, the club faced renewed financial difficulty and sold several top players. A relegation battle followed in 1976–77 , which culminated in a controversial 2–2 draw with Bristol City that saw both sides survive at the expense of Sunderland, playing out the final minutes without any attempt to score further goals. A season of success followed in 1977–78, as Coventry finished seventh, narrowly missing
6555-399: The new Sky Blue Stand on the north side of the ground. Hill also oversaw the ground's conversion to all-seater as Chairman in 1981, but this was deeply unpopular with fans as well as Hill's successor John Poynton, and a report in early 1985 concluded that it was not achieving its desired effect of combatting hooliganism at Highfield Road. The Spion Kop was reconfigured and converted back to
6650-411: The new board, and the appointment of Harry Storer as manager in 1931 brought in an era of success at the club. Coventry scored a total of 108 goals in the 1931–32 season , gaining the nickname "The Old Five" as a result of scoring five or more in many games. New signing Clarrie Bourton 's individual tally of 49 goals was the Football League record for that season, and his overall total of 50 remains
6745-402: The new stadium there. It was named Highfield Road after the road to the north of the ground, at the time the only access route from the city centre, which was in turn named after a Highfield Farm that had stood on the site earlier. Construction cost £100, a large amount for the club at the time, and on opening the ground featured a single stand on the southern side of the field. The first game at
6840-558: The next season and then led the club to promotion back to the EFL Championship as League One champions in 2020. In the 2022–23 season , Coventry secured a play-off place in the Championship , before losing the play-off final to Luton Town on penalties. For 106 years, from 1899 to 2005, Coventry City played at Highfield Road . The 32,609-capacity Coventry Arena was opened in August 2005 to replace Highfield Road, but
6935-437: The north and south divisions were replaced by a single nationwide third and a new fourth . Coventry were placed in the latter as a result of a bottom-half finish in 1957–58 . Three games into 1958–59 , the club occupied its lowest ever overall league position, 91st, but recovered to secure promotion back into the third tier. The appointment of Derrick Robins as chairman in 1958 and Jimmy Hill as manager in 1961, marked
7030-414: The official gate was 51,455 although the club estimated that the figure was higher. In 1969–70 , under Hill's successor Noel Cantwell , the club finished sixth in the First Division, which as of 2022 remains their highest ever position. The top-six finish earned them a place in the 1970–71 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup , which ended in the second round with a 7–3 aggregate defeat against Bayern Munich . In
7125-410: The player having appeared in every league game at that point in the season. He eventually contributed 42 matches and 1 goal, which came against Coventry City in the final match of the season as the team earned a second consecutive promotion . Fonte made his debut in the Premier League on 19 August 2012, playing the full 90 minutes in a 3–2 away loss to Manchester City . He netted his first goals in
7220-476: The remainder of their Premier League tenure. In 1997, Richardson revealed the initial proposals for a new stadium in the north of Coventry, at the time envisaged as having 40,000 seats and included in England's unsuccessful bid for the 2006 World Cup . The project was backed by Coventry City Council and gained planning permission in 1998, but involved high costs, inducing the board to sell Highfield Road to
7315-400: The second half of a 1–0 win over Argentina at Old Trafford on 18 November. Fonte was selected by manager Fernando Santos for his Euro 2016 squad. His first game in the tournament took place on 25 June, as he started alongside Southampton teammate Cédric Soares in the round-of-16 tie against Croatia , which Portugal won 1–0 after extra time . He went on to retain his position until
7410-467: The second tier, Fonte was named in the League One Team of the Year for the 2010–11 season . He was also voted Southampton's Player of Year, achieving 64% of the vote, with Adam Lallana coming second with 18% and Dan Harding finishing third with 7%. On 29 December 2011, Fonte signed a new contract keeping him at the club until June 2015. Southampton were top of the table when he signed, with
7505-404: The second tier, finishing eighth, fourth and fourth again between 1936 and 1939. They also constructed a new main stand and purchased the freehold of Highfield Road, utilising a loan of £20,000 from local motor-industry entrepreneur John Siddeley . In 1937–38 they met with Midlands rivals Aston Villa the first time in league football, securing with a win and a draw in the two meetings as well as
7600-579: The start of the "Sky Blue revolution" at the club. Hill changed the club's kit colour and nickname, introduced the Sky Blue Song , and added pre-match entertainment. Backed by an injection of cash from Robins, Hill led Coventry to the Third and Second Division championships in 1964 and 1967 respectively, taking them to the top division for the first time. Coventry's record attendance was set in 1967, against fellow title-chasers Wolverhampton Wanderers ;
7695-552: The table and dropped into the Third Division North . A year later they were asked by the League to switch to the Third Division South , to keep the sizes of the divisions even. Their poor form continued, and in 1927–28 they narrowly avoided having to seek re-election . Supporters rioted after the final game that season, some calling for the club to be wound up and a phoenix club established in its place. In 1928,
7790-586: The team to the 2020–21 Ligue 1 title, their first since 2010–11 , making 36 appearances and scoring 3 goals in the process. After adding one more year to his contract, Fonte played in the Trophée des Champions on 1 August 2021, a 1–0 win over PSG in Tel Aviv . He renewed again for 2022–23 , after which he was released. On 19 July 2023, Fonte signed a one-year contract with Braga . On 10 July 2024, 40-year-old Fonte joined fellow Portuguese side Casa Pia on
7885-406: The then Singers FC wore pink and blue halved shirts (mirroring the corporate colours of Singers Motors). Furthermore, in the 1890s, black and red were the club's colours. In the early 1920s, the club wore red and green (to reflect the colours of the city crest). Sky blue was first used by Coventry in 1898 and the theme was used until 1922. Variations of blue and white were then used until the 1960s and
7980-486: The time to a landowner named Samuel Dowell. The site was later the location of the Gosford Park Hotel and the Coventry loop line railway , and much of the former pitch is now occupied by housing. The club's second pitch was at Stoke Road, to which Singers moved in 1887. It was located between Paynes Lane and Swan Lane, immediately to the south of the eventual Highfield Road stadium. The move coincided with
8075-573: Was sent off after 16 minutes of a 3–2 victory at Nîmes for swearing at an assistant referee , as was manager Christophe Galtier for arguing his case; he missed just two games as the Dogues finished runners-up to Paris Saint-Germain , scoring three times including the conclusion of a 5–1 win over the capital club at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy on 14 April. On 9 August 2019, Fonte extended his contract to 2021. The 37-year-old captained
8170-458: Was bombed in the Coventry Blitz in 1941, damaging the pitch and the main stand, writer Nemo in the Coventry Telegraph that Adolf Hitler had "done a spot of ploughing". The first floodlights were installed at the ground in 1953, and were upgraded in 1957, using money raised by the supporters' club. The "Sky Blue revolution" of Derrick Robins and Jimmy Hill in the 1960s saw large-scale development at Highfield Road, including construction of
8265-418: Was built to a standard bowl design with steep stands in line with several other new stadia built during that period. It has excellent acoustics and has been used to host several major rock concerts. Despite initiating the project and being the principal attraction there, Coventry City's financial situation means that it no longer owned the stadium and must pay rent to use it; this appeared to raise concerns over
8360-728: Was cut short when he died after being stranded in a snow storm in 1947. Replacement Billy Frith was dismissed following a poor start to 1948–49 and the club persuaded Storer to return from Birmingham. In 1950–51 , Coventry led the Second Division table at Christmas, but a poor run ended their promotion hopes and the following season they were relegated. They spent the next six seasons in the Third Division South, with seven different managers, but were never in contention for promotion. The average attendance at Highfield Road dropped sharply during this period, and several top players had to be sold amid financial difficulties. In 1958,
8455-526: Was dissolved, but the team were allowed to continue playing in League One under Sisu Company Otium. In 2016–17 , Coventry were relegated to League Two , but also won the EFL Trophy in the same season, their first trophy for 30 years. The following season, their first in the fourth tier since 1959, they were promoted straight back, finishing sixth and beating Exeter City in the play-off final . Two seasons later, they were promoted again, being awarded
8550-490: Was for a state-of-the-art, 45,000-seater multipurpose stadium with removable pitch and retractable roof. It was due to be ready for the 2001–02 season and was touted to be one of the finest and most advanced stadiums in Europe. However, the club's subsequent relegation, financial problems, financier/contractor withdrawals, and England's failure to secure the 2006 World Cup competition led to a radical redesign. The resulting stadium
8645-408: Was immediately loaned out to fellow league team Paços de Ferreira . He finished the season with 26 league appearances and 1 goal, during a 2–2 away draw against Penafiel in which he also scored two in his own net – as both Paços and Setúbal managed to retain their status. Fonte spent the 2006–07 season on loan to Estrela da Amadora , still in the top division, only missing five league games as
8740-469: Was published in autumn 2007 and a website launched. The launch of 2007 was followed by subsequent Legends' Days. The 2009 event, held at the home game against Doncaster Rovers was attended by 43 former players including the first visit to Coventry for many years of Roy Barry and Dave Clements . In March 2012 the membership had increased past the 200 mark with former captain Terry Yorath inducted as
8835-416: Was signed and electronics manufacturer Ricoh became the new chief sponsor for the stadium. The project was funded largely by Coventry City Council and the (Alan Edward) Higgs Charity (of which former CCFC and ACL director the late Sir Derek Higgs was a trustee), and includes shopping facilities, a casino, exhibition halls and a concert venue. At the beginning of the 2005–06 season, construction delays at
8930-427: Was subsequently bought by Frasers Group . Coventry City did not sign to continue the previous deal with the new owners and were issued a notice of eviction on 5 December unless they signed a new deal which only ran until May 2023. The new deal was signed on 13 December meaning the Sky Blues would remain at the CBS Arena only until at least May 2023. The deal was subsequently extended by 5 years; additional guarantees in
9025-403: Was to bring former players of the club together and cherish their memories. To qualify for membership players have to have made at least one first-team competitive appearance for the club or been a manager. Around 50 former stars of the club attended the launch including Coventry City legends George Hudson , Cyrille Regis , Charlie Timmins and Bill Glazier . The association's first newsletter
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