A new six-part documentary series from BBC CWR is set to chronicle the dramatic 25-year odyssey of Coventry City Football Club, from their exit from the Premier League in 2001 to their triumphant return to England's top football division last season. Titled 'Back Where We Belong', the series has been a passion project for BBC CWR reporter and dedicated Sky Blues supporter, Richard Williams, who co-produced it with Chloee French.
Williams dedicated over three months to interviewing a wide array of individuals connected to the club, including loyal supporters, past players, and former club executives. He described the process as a 'labour of love', bringing to light forgotten events and shedding new perspective on a quarter-century of the club's history, marked by both profound lows and exhilarating highs.
Each of the six episodes focuses on a distinct chapter in the club's narrative. The first, 'The Fall', revisits the heartache of relegation from the Premier League at the close of the 2000-01 season under manager Gordon Strachan. Fans like Jo Chamberlain recall the final game at Villa Park, a 3-2 defeat that confirmed their drop, marking what felt like 'the end of the world' for many.
Subsequent episodes delve into pivotal moments such as the move from their historic Highfield Road ground to the purpose-built Ricoh Arena (now the Coventry Building Society Arena) in 2005, and the controversial period under London-based hedge fund SISU Capital, which saw the club face administration and further relegation to League One. The series also covers the unprecedented decision to play home games at Northampton Town's Sixfields Stadium due to a dispute over rent, and their subsequent return to Coventry.
The documentary promises to offer an intimate look at the club's resilience, the unwavering support of its fanbase, and the challenging path back to elite football, culminating in their recent promotion. It will provide context to the significant managerial changes, including the initial sacking of Mark Robins and his eventual return, leading the club to its current success.