Sky Bet League One: Proud Coventry boss Steven Pressley describes emotional return to Ricoh Arena
Saturday 6 September 2014 07:39, UK
Coventry City manager Steven Pressley has spoken of his immense pride after leading his team to victory on their return to the Ricoh Arena.
A lengthy rent dispute between City's owners and the company that runs the Ricoh saw the club leave in April 2013 to play its home fixtures some 30 miles away in Northampton.
That dispute was recently settled, and a huge crowd turned out to see Franck Nouble's goal defeat Gillingham on an emotional night.
Pressley, who took over as boss just a month before the move away, says the club has taken a huge step forward and the victory makes it a “fitting night” that will be remembered for some time to come.
"It's a night on which I am immensely proud to be the manager of this football club," he told Sky Sports.
"I couldn't be prouder of these players – they've endured a lot and so have the supporters. To win makes it a very fitting night.
"I had tears in my eyes when we came out onto the pitch. It’s been building for some time.
"The club has taken a massive step forward. Regardless of your strategy, developing young players and all that kind of thing, you’re never going to move forward unless you play at your home ground."
Debutant Frank Nouble, signed on deadline day from Ipswich Town, scored from 18-year-old Ryan Haynes’ cross midway through the first half, which proved enough to move the Sky Blues up to eighth in League One.
And captain Reta Johnson also spoke of his pride at the performance, watched by over 27,000 people - a significant rise from the 2,000 or so that had been turning out at Sixfields for the past 18 months.
"It means a lot for the players, the club and the fans. To be back is great but this result makes it the best – we're so happy," Johnson said.
"It was a huge crowd tonight but we stayed cool and the most important thing is the three points.
"We want to fight for promotion this season but we have to fight like we did tonight in every game and hopefully we'll be up there."
