Opposition Chat (Coventry City)

Last updated : 13 October 2004 By Graeme Smith

A happy hunting ground for the Foxes?
This matches Opposition fan, is Kev Monks from Coventry (a real diehard fan) who is editor of http://www.coventrycity-mad.co.uk

Who are you; where are you from and how long have you supported your club?

Kev Monks from Coventry and I've supported Coventry for 35 years. I've have seen 1563 first team and over 600 reserve/youth team/ladies matches. I last missed a game in December 1989 and was Fan Of The Year for 2003.

What was your first game?

A 1-0 defeat by Newcastle United in August 1970.

Describe the most memorable and worst game you've seen and why?

Obviously the 1987 FA Cup Final victory over Spurs ranks as my most memorable game,but the Semi-Final win over Leeds was also special, knowing that we were going to Wembley.

Picking a worst game is extremely hard as Coventry have at least fifteen bad games a season but the cup defeats at places like Rochdale (three times) and Colchester rank quite high up the list.

Who do you consider as your current local rivals, and why?

Due to the reasonably close proximity ,Leicester and Aston Villa would be classed as local rivals. Not that it bothers me too much as I have a loathing for Liverpool,after Coventry had to miss out on a competitive Euuopean campaign due to English clubs being banned in the mid 1980's.

Who are the best and worst players you have seen?

Thankfully, I've been lucky and seen the likes of George Best,Bobby Charlton, Bobby Moore play league matches. With regards to Coventry, the best was Tommy Hutchison and one of the worst is the current Wolves boss David Jones.

Which current or former Leicester player impressed you most?

Three keepers spring to mind, Gordon Banks,Peter Shilton and Tim Flowers all class acts of the highest order. Amongst the current team - Dion Dublin is a man who will always get goals.

How did you fare last season?

Finished mid table after a brief attempt to get a play-off place. About what I expected, due to the club's financial plight.

How do you think you'll do this season?

Another mid table finish wouldn't be unexpected. Coventry are too inconistent to make a sustainable challenge for a play-off spot.

What's the local drink and snap?

To be honest, not brilliant. With the way West Midlands Police operate, I'd recommend eating and drinking in Leicester first then travelling over.

If Coventry City were a TV personality, who would it be and why?

John Leslie, a sleazy club who used to be famous.

So what do you think of Leicester?

Taking away the local rivalary, Leicester are a club like West Brom who yo-yo between divisions with success in Division One followed by relegation from the Prem.

Is your manager barking mad?

Personally, I think he must be to take on the job in the first place,with a sack happy Chairman for a boss and no money for players.

Are you happy with your Chairman/Backroom staff?

Not at all, under Mike McGinnity,City after staving off bankrupcy are currently merely existing. His appointment of Peter Reid has not been well reeived and fans are already calling for his head.

Which team do you want to beat the most this season and why?

To be honest, I'm happy if Coventry beat anyone. Three more points means less chance of relegation.

What sort of line-up can we expect from you?

Probably a greatly changed one from the team that was beaten by Ipswich the other week. Coventry have Rohan Ricketts on a months loan from Spurs and he could play also Dean Leacock and Eric Deloumeaux are back from injury and may start.

Predicted score?

1-1

Who's going up?

A tough one considering most of the teams are much of a muchness. Ipswich and West Ham will certainly be up there with possibly Leeds.

Who's going down?

Another tough one but Brighton,Rotherham and Crewe look likely contenders