PUSB (Play Up Sky Blues)– Premiership here we come

 PUSB (Play Up Sky Blues)– Premiership Here we Come.

by Pete Clemons

May 19 2001 saw Coventry City play Bradford City. It was the last time either team would play a Premier league football fixture. The score was 0-0. For Coventry City relegation from the premier league had been confirmed the week before after a defeat at Aston Villa. After 34 consecutive seasons in the top flight it was all over.

But what else was happening 25 years ago in and around Coventry?

Well for starters Coventry based band, The Session, was formed in May 2001. Coincidentally, The Session had their latest magnificent single, 'The Fortress of Solitude', played at half time of the recent anti climactic game vs Sheffield Wednesday played during April 2026.

Jumpin Jaks and the Sky Dome Arena, as well as the ice rink, was an active live music venue with T'pau performing there around the time of that relegation. T'Pau, featuring lead singer Carol Decker, performed at the Sky Dome Arena on Sunday, 27 May 2001.

The performance was part of the "Sound of Sky Dome" concert series, which aimed to bring monthly music events to the then-newly built 4,000-seat arena.

For lead singer Carol Decker this gig was a sort of 'homecoming' as Carol grew up in nearby Nuneaton after moving from Liverpool as a child.

T'Pau's set included 'China In Your Hand', 'Heart and Soul', 'Valentine', 'Sex Talk' and 'Bridge of Spies'.

We also had Tony Hadley, John Keeble and Steve Norman giving us a nostalgic night of Spandau Ballet music along with crowd pleaser's Go West who 'closed our eyes'.

The Godiva festival for June 2001 saw headliners Cosmic Rough Riders, The Crocketts and Rachel Stamp. Local representatives included Swamp Donkey, Dreamgrinder, Jesus Deluxe, Thoria and The Four Kings.

Ikon superclub was just about to open and Careys, Scholars and Fatty Arbuckles on Stoney Stanton Road were still pulling em in.

That satisfying romp 'Three Minute Heroes' ran at the Belgrade for a couple of weeks.

Finally, in the Music/Charts: UK number one singles during May 2001 included "Don't Stop Movin'" by S Club 7 and "It's Raining Men" by Geri Halliwell. "Lady Marmalade" by Christina Aguilera. Pink, and Mya also topped charts that month.

How the times have changed.

Since we were relegated it is fair to say that Coventry City have had quite the journey. Not least we will be playing in a different ground from when we last played in the top level. As such teams like Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United et all will each be playing league games at the CBS in Coventry for the first time.

25 years on and Coventry City have been promoted back to the Premiership. It was a fantastic and memorable season. New horizons now beckon. New history will be written. It will be an interesting and exciting season to come.

T'Pau - Heart And Soul