The Coventry Party

If it is a question of being included in the list of English cities to visit, Coventry bringing together several singularities, such as being the very center of United Kingdom, in the ‘green’ belt of West Midlands, a prominent university capital and a ‘symbol of peace and harmony’. It has a rich history as the center of industry and transport of the United Kingdom, known as the ‘Motor City’, but, today, there is not much news in its bustling territory near Birmingham, except for what the club provided on Saturday of the city, Coventry City, qualifying for the semi-final of the FA Cup, in Wembley. Their opponent is Manchester United.

Through the streets of Coventry, which, as a city rebuilt after the bombings of the Second World War, is unlike any other in England, the weekend is one of joy and celebration, a real party in ‘ downtown’, after a great success. at Molineux Wolverhampton (23). They achieved this with two goals from attacker Ellis Simms and a final, impressive one, at the limit of extra time, from American Wright, which became a 2-1 lead for the ‘wolves’, giving more joy in success. The flags and the white and blue colors of the ‘Sky Blues’ stripes on their shirts were once again visible to their youngest fans, who were only told by the enthusiasm experienced on the banks of the River Sherbourne that there was something memorable and different. title, the FA Cup of 1987.

It is not often not the city or the former Premier team, now on EFL Championship (English second division), coming to the fore. The economic crisis and inflation, which destroyed the conservative government of Rishi Sunak, were punishing the middle part of England, and the football club was not happy either, although it was still fighting to compete for promotion again. Last year the City of Coventrywhich was acquired 14 months ago by a businessman in Stratford, Doug King, suffered a major disappointment, losing the play-off at Wembley against Luton Town. It was a bittersweet day, as after the final 1-1, the ‘hatters’ would win and be promoted to the Premier on penalties (6-5).

Coventry City, a fast team that plays without complexity, promised to try again, but fate gave it to the team led by the former English player. Mark Robins, a special match in London and against a ‘Big Six’, Manchester United, in the competition most loved by the English, because it gives opportunities to the modest. And it will also mean a lot for Robins, as he started his playing career in the red shirt of United. The Coventry coach’s euphoria at Molineux was out of control, as he had to apologize for the wild victory celebration in front of a 13-year-old ball boy, upset by a previous act.

“We are proud of our city,” they celebrate King, Robins and the players, after being congratulated by the municipal council, after an unexpected entry into this semi-final of the FA Cup, which put Coventry back on the map of European interest. He Sky Blue Army walk towards Wembley to support them, to fight for the second final, 37 years later.