The Phoenix · https://thephoenix.news/opinion/coventry-said-they-wouldnt-follow-sunderlands-recruitment-blueprint-so-what-went-wrong-172609
Coventry said they wouldn't follow Sunderland's recruitment blueprint. So what went wrong?
29.10.26, 07:26 8 Minute Read
13 May 2025. Deep into stoppage time in extra time, Dan Ballard powers a header past Ben Wilson. Sunderland are heading to the play-off final. The Sky Blues are set for another year in the Championship.
I'm sorry to take you back to that painful memory, but it's where our story truly begins. Sunderland would go on to win promotion to the Premier League. They overhauled their squad that summer and embarked on a superb season, finishing seventh in the top flight.
While the Black Cats were enjoying their Premier League return, Coventry City were taking the Championship by storm. The year culminated in the Sky Blues booking their own place amongst English football's big boys. What's interesting, though, is that Sunderland would prove to be a regular reference point for Coventry as preparations began for the top flight.
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Rich Chamberlain
EditorRich is a lifelong Coventry supporter and the author of several books about the club, including When The Sky Was Blue, Benno: My Life in Football and Sky Blue Fall.