3/1 To Win
Derby County will conclude their pre-season away matches on Wednesday 25th July against Coventry City at Liberty Way, kick-off: 7:45pm.
Ahead of the contest, dcfc.co.uk has taken a look back over Coventry’s decorated history to provide an in-depth profile of the Rams’ opposition.
A Moment In History…
In 1987, Coventry lifted their only major trophy to date. In their first domestic cup final, the Sky Blues faced heavy favourites Tottenham Hotspur for the FA Cup title at Wembley Stadium.
Spurs were going for a record eighth victory and had never lost in a final, but Coventry put an end to that with a thrilling 3-2 win. An extra time own goal by Gary Mabbutt handed Coventry the title.
Despite their remarkable triumph, the Sky Blues were not able to qualify for the European Cup Winners’ Cup due to a ban on English clubs in European competition.
Coventry also won the FA Youth Cup and remain one of only five clubs to win both in the same season.
What Happened Last Season?...
The Sky Blues had their highest league finish in any division since 1970, finishing sixth in League Two.
Their finish earned them a spot in the Sky Bet play-off semi-final where they beat Notts County 5-2 over the two legs.
An exciting 3-1 victory over Exeter City at Wembley Stadium saw Coventry promoted straight back to League One following their relegation the season before.
The Stadium…
The match will be played at Liberty Way, the home of Nuneaton Town. The multi-use sports stadium has a capacity of 4,500.
Who’s The Boss?
Mark Robins is the manager of the Sky Blues and he has held the position since March 2017. It is the former striker’s second managerial stint at the club after becoming a fan favourite from September 2012 until February 2013 before he left for Huddersfield Town.
In his first full season at Coventry, Robins lead his team to promotion to League One, which marked the first in his managerial career.
Who To Look Out For?...
The Sky Blues will be without talented young duo Tom Bayliss and Dujon Sterling, who recently signed on loan from Chelsea. The pair are on international duty for England in the Under-19 European Championships.
The Rams will have to get past Scottish defender Jack Grimmer, who signed at Coventry last summer from Fulham. The 24-year-old attacking full-back scored three times last season, coming at important moments.
Grimmer scored the winning goal and provided an assist in the third round FA Cup victory over Premier League side Stoke City. He then put the finishing touches on the Sky Blues’ promotion campaign with the third goal of the 3-1 victory against Exeter City in the Play-Off Final.
Did You Know?...
From 1899 to 2005 Coventry played at Highfield Road, which in 1981 became the first all-seater stadium in English football.
