Coventry blogger Angie Freel reflects on the last day at Highfield Road...and what a day it was
No place like home for Sky Blues
There is no question that my best Sky Blue moment of the decade is the final farewell to Highfield Road. Coventry City played the last game at their home of 106 years on the 30th April 2005. The End of an Era.
I had mixed feelings about leaving Highfield Road....
Sad to leave the only ground I had ever known, a ground that had seen some great games and had such a great atmosphere, the ground where I saw my first match. Sad to see the stadium that I would walk to on a Saturday flattened. I was not looking forward to having to drive or catch buses and taxis to the new stadium either.
On the other hand I was excited about a new up and coming stadium with a concert hall and casino that would be a venue for so much more other than football. A stadium with a bigger capacity and better facilities. And possibly a stadium with a bit of luck....
There was a sea of sky blue when I eventually got through the crowds into the stadium. A full turn out - not a single seat left without a bum on. Before the game kicked off the crowd were joined by numerous Coventry Legends on the pitch to sing the famous Sky Blues song by Legend Jimmy Hill.
Unstoppable
Derby County were the unfortunate team that had to play us that day. With the players and the fans on such a high, they never had a chance. A brace from McSheffrey and goals from John and Adebola meant the Sky Blues were already 4-0 up at half time. The stadium was buzzing and the singing didn't stop.
Derby refused to roll over and crumble and managed to hit back with one of their own goals in the second half but they couldn't stop John grabbing his brace. Quickly followed Derby's second and last goal of the game but they were soon on the back foot again with Coventry playing like they belonged in the Champions League.
The crowd began chanting 'We want 6, we want 6' which turned into a tremendous roar minutes later as Andrew Whing obliged. Whing came on as a substitute in the 67th minute and scored the last ever goal at Highfield Road, an amazing volley which was almost his first touch.
Soon came along the Mexican wave, lapping round the stadium and finishing with a boo every time the Derby fans didn't join in. Despite the chants that followed the Sky Blues never got a seventh but as the final whistle blew, it was safe to say players and fans alike were ecstatic. The players didn't have too much time to celebrate before all the stands emptied as the pitch was invaded by the Sky Blue fans. Not an inch of green was left to be seen.
It is the most enjoyable and emotional games I can remember - a packed stadium, a great atmosphere and a game where the opposition never really came into it. The best farewell possible.
Thanks for the memories Highfield Road......
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