Coventry United formed in protest against Sky Blues' owners

[dutchman]

Disgruntled fans have set up their own football club to protest against Coventry City's plight.



Coventry United was launched by four businessmen after City went into administration back in March.

They have outlined continued support for their bigger neighbours but said the club's motives could change if owners Sisu take the Sky Blues out of the city.

Chairman Jason Kay said it was not intended to become a replacement but could if the Sky Blues were moved out of the city.

He told the Observer: "Are we disgruntled with Coventry City? Yes.

"Will we watch them outside of Coventry? Absolutely not.

"A lot of supporters don't want to go outside of Coventry and I wanted to do something about it. I thought I'd spend my money on a club within the city."

Mr Kay, managing director of Electric Wharf-based IT firm Currant Ltd, has sponsored City matches in the past as well as strikers Cody McDonald and Marlon King.

And he said United could eventually be similar to that of AFC Wimbledon, which launched after the original club was moved from London to Milton Keynes.

He has already bought the rights to AFCCoventry.com - in case the club decides to go down that route.

"It wasn't our objective but the more we talk to people the more they would like it to be.

"I want people to support all teams that play in Coventry, including CCFC.

"I'll be back to the Ricoh if they get it sorted with ACL and United will become my second team.

"But if they stick to their guns and leave the city, that's when it becomes an issue.

"So I'd be hesitant to say it could be the next AFC Wimbledon because it all lies with the club."

United will play their home games at Westwood Heath Sports Ground in the Midland Combination Division Two - nine divisions below League One.

But among the players is striker Brian Ndlovu, brother of former star Peter, and management have already set their sights on promotion.

United will play in red shirts with sponsor Graham Plumbers' Merchant adding a touch of green - meaning they will play in the city's civic colours - but a future switch to sky blue has not been ruled out.