{"title":"Coventry City","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"staying-up-a-fan-behind-the-scenes-in-the-premiership","title":"Staying Up: A Fan Behind the Scenes in the Premiership","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the publisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWHAT IS LIFE LIKE BEHIND THE SCENES AT A PREMIERSHIP FOOTBALL CLUB?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUntil this book, every fan was dying to know the answer to this question. In 1997-98, Rick Gekoski became the first supporter to be allowed into the inner sanctum of a top club, Coventry City. This is his account of their struggle for survival in the toughest league in the world; the journey of a stranger in a hostile land where the natives are suspicious of outsiders and do not speak his language.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat he discovered surprised him and will surprise the reader too.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 'If I had known that you were going to write this sort of book, I never would have allowed you access to myself or the team. Having said that, I think it's one of the best books about football ever written. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe closest anybody could get to what it's really like' - Gordon Strachan, manager of Coventry FC, to the author.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe author:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRick Gekoski is an American-born antiquarian bookseller and arguably the least likely person to be a supporter and season-ticket holder at Coventry City F.C.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e---\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eSphere\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e20 x 13 cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePaperback\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e352 pages\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eNovember 1999\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eEnglish\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e9780751528596\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Rick Gekoski","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39417975734349,"sku":"7975734349","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0271\/5149\/9341\/products\/2021-07-3017.27.36-1.jpg?v=1627668033"},{"product_id":"rise-together-coventry-city-under-mark-robins","title":"Rise Together: Coventry City Under Mark Robins","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the publisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003eRise Together: Coventry City Under Mark Robins\u003c\/em\u003e examines the rebirth of Coventry City FC from 2017 to 2020. Having sunk to the depths of English football's lowest professional division, the Sky Blues were a million miles from the FA Cup-winning heyday of 1987 and the glitz and glamour of Premier League football. After a decade of decline, a constant churn of managers, coaches and players, the arrival of Mark Robins for a second spell in charge would end all that.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBacked by a fanbase desperate for success, winning the 2017 Football League Trophy was just the beginning. Robins would mould Coventry City into a side capable of something few at the club had achieved before - success. That first trophy at Wembley would be followed by two more - victory in the 2018 League Two play-off final, then the League One title in 2020.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith off-the-field issues continuing to dog the club, including a second move out of Coventry, the story of Rise Together is one that every football fan will appreciate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe author:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdam Sloman is a long-suffering Coventry City supporter. A Sky Blues season-ticket holder, his passion for the club came from his dad, with tales of Jimmy Hill, Bobby Gould and George Hudson told to him as a child. A former freelance journalist, Adam has covered subjects as diverse as books, video games, movies, football and cars. His first book, a history of the Peugeot 205, was published in 2015.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e---\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePitch\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e22 x 14 cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eHardback\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e224 pages\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eJanuary 2022\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eEnglish\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e9781801500524\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Adam Sloman","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42370388918499,"sku":"","price":16.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0271\/5149\/9341\/products\/2022-01-1919.36.25.jpg?v=1642786447"},{"product_id":"when-the-sky-was-blue-the-inside-story-of-coventry-citys-premier-league-years","title":"When The Sky Was Blue: The Inside Story of Coventry City's Premier League Years","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the publisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eWhen the Sky Was Blue celebrates Coventry City's nine-season adventure in the Premier League, from founder members to relegation, through a compelling array of brand-new interviews with managers, players and other key figures from the time. While not the most glamorous club to have played in the division, few can match the Sky Blues for madcap tales. This book tells those stories through the memories of those who were there.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Hear how Bobby Gould's decision to hold pre-season in an army barracks led to near-death experiences and career-ending injury. Savour the glitz and glamour of Ron Atkinson's whirlwind spell at Highfield Road. Relive Gordon Strachan making Robbie Keane Britain's most expensive teenager.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Oh, and there's also those heart-stopping relegation battles, FA Cup heartbreak and the time Coventry City became 'The Entertainers'.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe author:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRich Chamberlain's first trip to watch his beloved Coventry City was in the inaugural Premier League season. He witnessed a dire 2-0 defeat to Wimbledon. Amazingly, this failed to put him off a life following the Sky Blues. Away from football, Rich is a former freelance journalist who has interviewed stars as diverse as rap royalty Ice-T, rock hell-raisers Moetley Crue, pop songstress Sheryl Crow and football icon Jimmy Hill.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e---\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePitch\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e22 x 14 cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eHardback\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e224 pages\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eAugust 2023\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eEnglish\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e9781801504621\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Rich Chamberlain","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44237587316963,"sku":null,"price":16.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0271\/5149\/9341\/files\/2023-12-2113.58.59.jpg?v=1703180317"},{"product_id":"nii-lamptey-the-curse-of-pele","title":"Nii Lamptey: The Curse of Pele","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the publisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNii Lamptey: The Curse of Pele is the authorised biography of Ghanaian footballer Nii Lamptey, a one-time bright young talent who was hailed as 'the next Pele' by Pele himself. By age 16, Lamptey had won the Belgian title with RSC Anderlecht and the world championship with Ghana's under-16s. One year later, he won a bronze medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e After joining Dutch masters PSV Eindhoven on loan in 1993 and scoring 10 times in 22 games that season, Lamptey appeared to have the world at his feet. Spells at Aston Villa and Coventry City followed, but he failed to fulfil Pele's bold prophecy. Instead, his career became a cautionary tale of what can go wrong when too much pressure is applied to young players.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Injuries, lack of schooling, domestic violence, bad agents and a tragic and turbulent personal life pushed Lamptey to the brink of suicide, but thankfully he recovered. In this 'warts and all' account he finally lifts the lid on his incredible story.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe author:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJoris Kaper is a Dutch journalist who writes for various media. After an interview with Lamptey, they decided to write a book together. Joris travelled to Ghana to work on the project with Lamptey in person. In Holland, the book was nominated for Staantribune Football Book of the Year 2019. Joris's next book, about PSV Eindhoven during the Second World War, will be published in 2023.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e---\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePitch Publishing\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e22 x 14 cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eHardback\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e256 pages\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eJune 2023\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eEnglish\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e9781801501316\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Joris Kaper","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44302494269667,"sku":null,"price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0271\/5149\/9341\/files\/2024-01-1008.25.13.jpg?v=1705059605"},{"product_id":"coventry-city-on-this-day-history-facts-figures-from-every-day-of-the-year","title":"Coventry City On This Day: History, Facts \u0026 Figures from Every Day of the Year","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the publisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eCoventry City On This Day revisits all the most magical and memorable moments from the club's rollercoaster past, mixing in a maelstrom of quirky anecdotes and legendary characters to produce an irresistibly dippable Sky Blues diary - with an entry for every day of the year. From the club's formation on Monday 13th August 1883 through to the Premier League era, the City faithful have witnessed promotions and relegations, hard-fought derby matches, breathtaking Cup runs and triumphs - all featured here. Timeless greats such as Clarrie Bourton, Steve Ogrizovic and George Curtis, Tommy Hutchison, Gary McSheffrey and Dion Dublin all loom larger than life.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Revisit 29th November 1961, the beginning of the club's revolution under Jimmy Hill. 3rd October 1970, when Willie Carr's backflick and Ernie Hunt's 'donkey kick' made history. Or Wednesday 13th May 1987, when the Sky Blues' Cup Final squad sang 'Go For It City!' live on Blue Peter.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe author:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSteve Phelps is the author of Coventry City Miscellany, January and the Season's Over and It'll Be Different Next Year. One of Steve's first Sky Blue memories is seeing Clive Allen's 'goal' bouncing out of Jim Blyth's net and the referee waving play on. He lives in the West Country with his wife Emma and their twin daughters, Aimee and Jolie. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e---\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePitch Publishing\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e22 x 12 cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eHardback\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e192 pages\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eAugust 2010\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eEnglish\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e9781905411887\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Steve Phelps","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44302582612195,"sku":null,"price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0271\/5149\/9341\/files\/2024-01-1008.27.21.jpg?v=1705062757"},{"product_id":"coventry-city-football-club-100-greats","title":"Coventry City Football Club: 100 Greats","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the publisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eOver six thousand players have proudly worn the colours of Coventry City since the club was first formed as Singers FC back in 1883. Many have made only fleeting contributions, whilst others have become City heroes and carved their names forever in the annals of Coventry's footballing history. This volume offers a retrospectvice look at 100 of the finest players to have represented the club, with a detailed examination of their time at Coventry and their careers in football.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e From early heroes of the Victorian era, such as Frank Mobley and Nat Robinson, the book follows the club through its days in the Birmingham and Southern Leagues, introducing players such as the club's first-ever international Bob Evans, and the prolific striker Harry Buckle. The period between admission to the Football League in 1919 and the Second World War is represented by the likes of Frank Herbert and Jackie Randle, along with greats of the 'Old Five' era including record goalscorer Clarrie Bourton and City stalwart George Mason. The post war years of the late 1940s adn 1950s bring George Lowrie, Reg Matthews and their compatriots of the 1960s, during which numerous City greats came to prominence under the leadership of the 'Ironman', George Curtis.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e highlighted players from the latter decades of the twentieth century include Ian Wallace, Dennis Mortimer, Danny Thomas, Dion Dublin and of course heroes of the cup-wining side of 1987, including Regis, Bennett, Peake and Kilcline. As a biographical and statistical reference guide to Coventry's greatest players, this volume it second to none. As an enjoyable wander down memory lane, it is a must for all followers of the Sky Blues.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e---\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThe History Press\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e23 x 16 cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePaperback\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e128 pages\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eNovember 2001\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eEnglish\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e9780752422947\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"George Rowland","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44317879238883,"sku":null,"price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0271\/5149\/9341\/files\/2024-01-1914.15.25.jpg?v=1705678369"},{"product_id":"coventry-city-fc-a-history-in-50-matches","title":"Coventry City FC: A History in 50 Matches","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the publisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"a-expander-content a-expander-partial-collapse-content\" aria-expanded=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-text-bold\"\u003eA history of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-text-bold a-text-italic\"\u003eCoventry City Football Club\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-text-bold\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e---\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThe History Press\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e23 x 16 cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePaperback\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e128 pages\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eOctober 2004\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eEnglish\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e9780752427188\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Jonathan Strange","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44317888446691,"sku":null,"price":15.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0271\/5149\/9341\/files\/2024-01-1914.15.44.jpg?v=1705678478"},{"product_id":"sky-blue-heroes-the-inside-story-of-coventry-citys-1987-fa-cup-win","title":"Sky Blue Heroes: The Inside Story of Coventry City's 1987 FA Cup Win","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the publisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"a-expander-content a-expander-partial-collapse-content\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn 16th May 1987 Coventry City won the first major trophy in their 104-year history. It was an extraordinary period for the city and its football club as they united to celebrate a fabulous success. Victories over Bolton, Manchester United, Stoke City, Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United took 'George and John's Sky Blue Army' to Wembley, where they overturned the form book to inflict Tottenham's first ever FA Cup final defeat.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e For the first time, the cast of '87 are reunited to tell their stories. Sky Blue Heroes: The Inside Story of Coventry City's 1987 FA Cup Win features exclusive interviews with players, management, media, mascots, songwriters, club staff and supporters, documenting a magical time in Coventry City's history. Contemporary media reports appear alongside memories and retrospectives - and the first interview for 28 years with the 'mystery man' who appeared on the Wembley pitch photograph with the jubilant players.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe author:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e Steve Phelps is the author of four previous books on the Sky Blues, including Coventry City Miscellany and On This Day. Steve was born in Coventry in July 1974 and began watching the Sky Blues in 1979\/80. He lived in Coventry until the close season of 1996 when he transferred to the West Country along with his season ticket.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e---\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePitch Publishing\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e24 x 16 cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eHardback\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e256 pages\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eAugust 2015\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eEnglish\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e9781785310201\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Steve Phelps","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44317896999139,"sku":null,"price":18.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0271\/5149\/9341\/files\/2024-01-1914.16.00.jpg?v=1705678987"},{"product_id":"benno-my-life-in-football","title":"Benno: My Life in Football","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the publisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBenno: My Life in Football is a fascinating look into the footballing life of one of Coventry City's greatest ever players, FA Cup-winning hero Dave Bennett. Follow the effervescent Benno's life from battling racism on the streets of Manchester and throughout his career to climbing those famous steps at the home of English football. Benno had it tough from day one of his career.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe was subjected to on-pitch racist abuse on his debut at Manchester City. He saw what should have been a shining moment of his career overshadowed when he was referred to as 'the little coloured boy' during 1981 FA Cup Final commentary. But he fought back and overcame four leg breaks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe also enjoyed season after season in the top flight, becoming one of the country's leading wingers in the process - and he did it all with a huge smile on his face. My Life in Football is Benno's story - an extraordinary tale that reveals the best and worst of football in the 1980s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe author:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"a-section a-spacing-small a-padding-small\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"a-section a-spacing-small a-padding-small\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDave Bennett has teamed up with Rich Chamberlain to tell his story. Rich is a lifelong Coventry City fan and author of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-text-italic\"\u003eWhen the Sky Was Blue: The Inside Story of Coventry City's Premier League Years\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Away from football, Rich is a former freelance journalist who has interviewed stars as diverse as rap royalty Ice-T, rock hell-raisers Mötley Crüe, pop songstress Sheryl Crow and football icon Jimmy Hill.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e---\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePitch Publishing\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e24 x 16 cm\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eHardback\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e256 pages\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eSeptember 2024\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eEnglish\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e9781801507509\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Dave Bennett, Rich Chamberlain","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45501686350051,"sku":null,"price":25.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0271\/5149\/9341\/files\/2024-09-1108.41.42.jpg?v=1726047262"},{"product_id":"coventry-1986-87-a-season-to-remember","title":"Coventry - 1986\/87: A Season to Remember","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the publisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg\u003e\u003cimg\u003eA Season To Remember - Coventry 1986\/87 is the story of the club’s FA Cup-winning season and is as remarkable as it was unexpected. At the start of the 86\/87, season very few fans or commentators would have predicted that the year would end in the club securing their first major trophy after over a century of trying. This is a match-by-match account of that history-making campaign.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e---\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eVictor Publishing\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e20 x 13 cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePaperback\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e112 pages\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eApril 2024\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eEnglish\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-list-item\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e9798867692735\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Michael Keane","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57527742562685,"sku":null,"price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0271\/5149\/9341\/files\/2025-12-0713.07.43.jpg?v=1765199539"},{"product_id":"hutch-hard-work-and-belief-the-tommy-hutchison-story","title":"Hutch, Hard Work and Belief: The Tommy Hutchison Story","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the publisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"This is a biography grown out of love and that drips from every syllable on the pages. It has heart and it has soul\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the story of how one small boy's near impossible dream became a reality. Growing up in poverty in the austere 1950s Fife coalfield, Tommy Hutchison had an unshakable belief that one day he would wear the dark blue shirt of Scotland. To an outsider it seemed an improbable ambition. Too weak to cross a ball from the byline to the goal area, the teenage Hutchison was overlooked by his teachers and never made the school football team.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough sheer determination, an indomitable spirit and hour upon hour of lonely practice, the adolescent Tommy was finally noticed by his local team, and his journey to Hampden and World Cup glory began. Tommy's football genius ultimately took him all over the world to play with and against some of the greatest footballers of the 1970s and 80s in a career spanning four amazing decades. Hutch, Hard Work and Belief is the funny yet inspiring story of how the seemingly unattainable can be achieved by unwavering, resolute self-belief.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe author:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"a-section a-spacing-small a-padding-small\"\u003eTommy Hutchison shared many pots of tea and the odd Scottish fudge donut with Kevin Shannon while writing his life story. After retiring from teaching, Kevin co-wrote this book to fulfil a long-term ambition. As an obsessed Coventry fan, he could think of no better subject for his debut tome than the player he regards as the greatest-ever Sky Blue, the wonderful Tommy Hutchison.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"a-section a-spacing-small a-padding-small\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e---\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePitch Publishing\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e24 x 16 cm\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eHardback\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e320 pages\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eOctober 2022\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eEnglish\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-list-item\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-text-bold\"\u003e‎\u003c\/span\u003e9781801501910\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Tommy Hutchison, Kevin Shannon","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57799636418941,"sku":null,"price":25.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0271\/5149\/9341\/files\/2026-02-1008.40.22.jpg?v=1770727413"},{"product_id":"highfield-road-1999-05","title":"Highfield Road 1999-05","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the publisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a56fb1f elementor-widget elementor-widget-woocommerce-product-content\" data-id=\"a56fb1f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"woocommerce-product-content.default\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-widget-container\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-widget_type=\"woocommerce-product-content.default\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-id=\"a56fb1f\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a56fb1f elementor-widget elementor-widget-woocommerce-product-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-widget-container\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-widget_type=\"woocommerce-product-content.default\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-id=\"a56fb1f\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a56fb1f elementor-widget elementor-widget-woocommerce-product-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-widget-container\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a56fb1f elementor-widget elementor-widget-woocommerce-product-content\" data-id=\"a56fb1f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"woocommerce-product-content.default\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-widget-container\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a56fb1f elementor-widget elementor-widget-woocommerce-product-content\" data-id=\"a56fb1f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"woocommerce-product-content.default\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-widget-container\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA photographic record of Coventry City’s Highfield Road stadium in its final years, observing the spaces, people, and rituals that shaped matchdays long before the ground was erased.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe photographs were taken by lifelong Coventry City supporter Jason Scott Tilley, who grew up within earshot of the stadium, close enough to hear the rise and fall of the crowd on a Saturday afternoon. Over time, those sounds became a language – goals, near misses, fouls – carried on the wind and absorbed from the streets outside the ground. That early proximity shaped both a loyalty to the club and an instinct to observe football as lived experience rather than spectacle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMade during Coventry City’s final seasons at Highfield Road, the images focus on what surrounded the game as much as the game itself. The surrounding streets, terraces and pubs sit alongside faces in the crowd, familiar routines, and small moments repeated week after week. The photographs document a football ground functioning as a place of work, habit, and belonging, where players, supporters and residents all shared the same physical space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis limited edition A5 photo zine brings together 38 black and white photographs across 44 pages – a record of a place at the end of its life, and of a football culture rooted in community, routine, and loyalty, captured before it was permanently removed from the landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e---\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eLower Block\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e14 x 20 cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePaperback\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e48 pages\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eJanuary 2026\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eEnglish\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Jason Scott Tilley","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57800226144637,"sku":null,"price":8.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0271\/5149\/9341\/files\/2026-02-1008.40.56.jpg?v=1770726978"},{"product_id":"the-coventry-city-miscellany","title":"The Coventry City Miscellany","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the publisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"a-expander-content a-expander-partial-collapse-content\" data-expanded=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding-bottom: 24px;\" class=\"a-expander-content a-expander-partial-collapse-content a-expander-content-expanded\" data-expanded=\"true\"\u003eThis is the only trivia book a Sky Blues fan could ever need, packed with facts, stats, anecdotes and history about Coventry City. From cult heroes and extraordinary escapes to FA Cup glory and championships, it’s all here – can you afford not to own a copy?\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding-bottom: 24px;\" class=\"a-expander-content a-expander-partial-collapse-content a-expander-content-expanded\" data-expanded=\"true\"\u003eFIND OUT . . .\u003cbr\u003e Which City star was once allegedly arrested for espionage.\u003cbr\u003e How a lick of paint once kept City in the top flight.\u003cbr\u003e Which star striker has been busy inventing a whole new sound.\u003cbr\u003e How Jimmy Greaves helped City win the FA Cup.\u003cbr\u003e Which competition City are unbeaten in for 30 years.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe author:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"a-section a-spacing-small a-padding-small\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"a-section a-spacing-small a-padding-small\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMICHAEL KEANE has been a Coventry fan for over thirty years. He is an English teacher and lives in Coventry. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e---\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThe History Press\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e20 x 13 cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePaperback\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e144 pages\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eSeptember 2017\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEnglish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-list-item\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-text-bold\"\u003e‎\u003c\/span\u003e MICHAEL KEANE has been a Coventry fan for over thirty years. He is an English teacher and lives in Coventry. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Michael Keane","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58034217386365,"sku":null,"price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0271\/5149\/9341\/files\/2026-04-1315.33.31.jpg?v=1776091886"},{"product_id":"coventry-city-miscellany-sky-blues-trivia-history-facts-and-stats","title":"Coventry City Miscellany: Sky Blues Trivia, History, Facts and Stats","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the publisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCoventry City Miscellany collects together all the vital information you never knew you needed to know about the Sky Blues. In these pages you will find irresistible anecdotes and the most mindblowing stats and facts. Heard the one about the substitute who scored on his debut after just 26 seconds? How about the FA Youth Cup winners who were signed by Kenny Dalglish? Or the media pundit who scored in six successive top-flight matches? Do you know what Des Bremner and Gilles de Bilde have in common with Steve Ogrizovic? Which was the last side to win a League game at Highfield Road? And who was the only Irishman who didn't know where Dublin was? All these stories and hundreds more appear in a brilliantly researched collection of trivia - essential for any Coventry City fan who holds the riches of the club's history close to their heart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe author:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"a-section a-spacing-small a-padding-small\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"a-section a-spacing-small a-padding-small\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSteve Phelps is the author of Coventry City On This Day, January and the Season's Over and It'll Be Different Next Year. One of Steve's first Sky Blue memories is seeing Clive Allen's 'goal' bouncing out of Jim Blyth's net and the referee waving play on. He lives in the West Country with his wife Emma and their twin daughters, Aimee and Jolie.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e---\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePitch Publishing\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e19 x 12 cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePaperback\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e152 pages\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eAugust 2011\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eEnglish\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-list-item\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-text-bold\"\u003e‎\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-text-bold\"\u003e ‎ \u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003e9781905411979\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Steve Phelps","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58034377294205,"sku":null,"price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0271\/5149\/9341\/files\/2026-04-1315.31.56.jpg?v=1776093134"},{"product_id":"sky-blue-fall-inside-coventry-city-s-fall-from-grace","title":"Sky Blue Fall: Inside Coventry City’s Fall From Grace","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the publisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-text-italic\"\u003eSky Blue Fall\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e starts with a football club confident of a swift return to the Premier League and ends with one clinging on to its very existence by its fingertips. In the summer of 2001, Coventry City were preparing for life in the second tier after relegation. The drop had ended their unbroken 34 years in the top flight. Fans were hopeful it would be just a one-season stay, but in the seven years that followed, the club would rarely flirt with promotion. Instead, they would go through seven managers, endure delay after delay in their move to a brand new stadium and come within minutes of entering administration. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-text-italic\"\u003eSky Blue Fall\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e tells the tale of a football club that lurched from hope to despair but ultimately survived to fight another day. A club that enjoyed cup giant-killings and the arrival of big-name managers but still found themselves scrapping for survival. The story is told through interviews with key figures from the time, including managers Iain Dowie and Eric Black and dozens of players, such as Michael Doyle, Michael Mifsud, Richard Shaw and many more\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe author:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRich Chamberlain’s first trip to watch his beloved Coventry City was in the inaugural Premier League season. He witnessed a dire 2-0 defeat to Wimbledon. Amazingly, this failed to put him off a life following the Sky Blues. He has written two previous books about Coventry City, When The Sky Was Blue and Benno: Dave Bennett’s Life In Football.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e---\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePitch Publishing\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e22 x 14 cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eHardback\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e272 pages\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eMay 2026\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eEnglish\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e9781836802600\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Rich Chamberlain","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58110027399549,"sku":null,"price":18.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0271\/5149\/9341\/files\/2026-05-0608.10.18.jpg?v=1778189015"}],"url":"https:\/\/stanchionbooks.com\/collections\/coventry-city.oembed?page=2","provider":"Stanchion","version":"1.0","type":"link"}