The future of Coventry City Football Club was debated in Parliament last week in a well-attended debate where MPs from across Coventry and Warwickshire raised the concerns of fans about the future of the team.
Called by Marcus Jones, Member of Parliament for Nuneaton, the debate called on the different groups involved in securing the future of Coventry City FC to come together and resolve the disputes which in 2013 saw the team playing home games in Northampton. Alongside Mark and Marcus were the Rt. Hon. Jeremy Wright QC MP, the Member of Parliament for Kenilworth and Southam as well as Coventry MPs Collen Fletcher and Jim Cunningham.
During the debate, MPs from across the House made it clear that the future of the club must be to remain in the city of Coventry and called on the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Tracey Crouch MP, to facilitate a meeting between MPs and the English Football League to try to make progress on this issue. In her response, the Minister thanked MPs and fans for continuing to support the team in the difficult recent years and expressed her hope that the ongoing process of mediation on matters off the pitch can be resolved, allowing Coventry City Football Club and their fans to once again focus on their matches.
Speaking after the debate, Mark commented:
“I know that many local people are fans of Coventry City Football Club and share my concerns about the future of the team. That is why I was very pleased to join my colleagues from across Coventry, Warwickshire and beyond, in supporting the swiftest possible resolution to the difficulties the club has experienced in recent years.”
Mark continued:
“The most important issue facing Coventry City Football Club at the moment is ensuring that it remains based in the city of Coventry. With Coventry set to host the UK City of Culture 2021, I want to see the club and its supporters play a part in those celebrations that reflects its 135 year history.”
Mark concluded:
“As the MP for Rugby and Bulkington, I have met with members of the Sky Blues Trust, who represent the fans of Coventry City FC, to discuss the best way forward for the club and I know that there is a lot of concern with the current owners of the team. I am pleased that the Minister and all my colleagues in Westminster have stressed the need for clear and honest dialogue from all sides and I will continue to do what I can to ensure Coventry City Football Club continues to play in their home city.”