🎧Hummel designer reveals ideas behind 2026-27 shirtpublished at 13:23 BST
13:23 BST
Coventry City released their 2026-27 home kit this week and the creative director of Hummel, Rob Revell, has shared the little details that have gone into the nostalgic strip.
Revell explains the "modern homage" paid to Coventry's 1987 FA Cup winners and how they got the emotion from the famous day onto the shirt.
Coventry promote Austin to sporting directorpublished at 11:08 BST
11:08 BST
Image source, Getty Images
Coventry have announced the promotion of Dean Austin from head of recruitment to sporting director as they prepare for their Premier League return.
Former Tottenham and Crystal Palace defender Austin had been in his previous role since 2002 and will now oversee all the Sky Blues' football and recruitment.
Ex-Spurs and Brighton scout Jamie Johnson has also changed jobs, moving from head of scouting to the head of recruitment role vacated by Austin.
Meanwhile, Sal Bibbo has joined Frank Lampard's backroom staff as goalkeeping coach from Rangers, having previously worked at Arsenal. He replaces Aled Williams, who has left the club after seven years.
'We are going to have to strengthen the squad where we can' - Lampardpublished at 09:55 BST
09:55 BST
Coventry City head coach Frank Lampard says they will "carry on with the spirit" shown in 2025-26 and "add quality" where possible for the new Premier League season.
Speaking at the launch of the new COV Store, Lampard told BBC CWR: "Our level needs to go up now so we're going to try to do that straight away.
"We've seen teams go up and some spend a lot of money and go down, some spend a lot of money and stay up. There's different versions of doing it.
"We want to and are going to have to strengthen the squad where we can. That's for us to keep close to our chest now.
"The players that are here deserve a chance in the Premier League because they are the ones that got us here, but there will be opportunities to challenge those players with others and help us in the league."
On Coventry's first game of the season being against reigning champions Arsenal, Lampard added: "We will put the work in now to be ready. We know every game is difficult in the Premier League.
"Arsenal will be a big test for us, but it's something we have to go into with positivity.
"Over the course of the season we won't be defined by the result against Arsenal, so why not go with a positive feeling, take on the game and do the best we can?"
New COV store launches in stylepublished at 16:32 BST 2 July
16:32 BST 2 July
Katie Stafford BBC Sport journalist
Coventry City hosted a launch party for the new COV store on Wednesday before the official opening to the public on Thursday morning.
Players, staff and a select number of invited guests were the first ones to view the new 2026-27 home kit in person whilst also experience everything the two-floor store has to offer.
Sky Blues midfielder Jack Rudoni described the COV store as "amazing," before adding "the new kit is looking nice".
Coventry's number five even had a brief stint behind the till, interacting with supporters who were one of the first to get their hands on the 1987 inspired shirt.
Reflecting on the opening of the COV store, owner Doug King said: "We have thrown quite a lot of money at it, like anything when things need to be done properly.
"I'm really happy with it. The space is hugely deceptive.
"I've managed to do it because I got the stadium."
The launch came just 24 hours after head coach Frank Lampard signed a new deal that will keep him at the club until 2029.
"I chose Lampard, but he chose the project," added King. "He could have gone to other places.
"I think he has fallen in love with where he is.
"The boys [players] are thrilled the deal is over the line and they are thrilled to give it a proper go in the Premier League."
Rudoni echoed King's words to BBC CWR, describing the anticipation of the new season as a "tingle of excitement".
"I can't wait to get out there and show everyone what I can do," he said. "I go by not fearing anyone. We're all on the same pitch for a reason so there's no reason why I can't show my ability. There's no reason not to show why we deserve to be there as a team.
"We're not just going there to survive, we're going there to make the statement that Coventry are back in the Premier League."
🎧 A club reborn: Final episode of new Coventry documentarypublished at 11:56 BST 2 July
11:56 BST 2 July
Media caption,
The final episode of Back Where We Belong starts with problems with the pitch at the now-renamed Coventry Building Society Arena (CBS Arena) after the Commonwealth Games rugby sevens in 2022 - and stadium owners Wasps going into administration and eventually liquidation.
Fans also started to get whispers that owner SISU was thinking about selling the club and, in November that year, it did, to Warwickshire-based businessman Doug King, who bought SISU's remaining stake in January 2023.
King's takeover brings change quickly - the departure of Mark Robins and hiring of Frank Lampard followed by the stadium purchase of the Ricoh, now the CBS Arena, putting it back into Coventry City FC's control.
For fans, what comes next is a blur of celebration: packed stands, electric atmospheres and a city rediscovering its voice. Helped by indie rock band The Enemy's track, We'll Live And Die In These Towns.
The documentary ends with Coventry drawing with Blackburn Rovers on the evening of Friday, 17 April 2026 at Ewood Park to guarantee promotion to the Premier League after a 25-year absence.
'One of the best coaches around' - fan views on Lampard's new dealpublished at 08:54 BST 2 July
08:54 BST 2 July
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on Frank Lampard signing a new deal to remain as Coventry boss until 2029.
Here are some of your comments:
Michael: I have been a Sky Blue for 60 years. I saw them go up under Jimmy Hill, standing in front of the children's barrier at the Kop End. Robins and Vavish got the ball rolling for the beleaguered club and Lampard finished it off by getting promoted. Lampard is one of the best coaches around. We are lucky to have him. I remember Jimmy Hill asking for backing on achieving promotion to Div 1 - he never got it and went to work on TV. I think Doug King is backing Lampard and that is why he is staying.
Marwan: Definitely he was the right man. And I believe that he can make history with the Sky Blues in the coming seasons. I can be sure that they are going to play in the Champions League soon. He and Doug King together with the great team members have the harmony and chemistry to achieve their (and our) goals.
Pat: Fixtures out! Lampard signs! New strip! Can't wait. It's starting to feel real, even with a slight bit of apprehension!
Gossip: Coventry to sign defender Amendapublished at 08:19 BST 2 July
08:19 BST 2 July
Coventry City are set to make Switzerland and Eintracht Frankfurt defender Aurele Amenda, 22, their first signing following their Premier League return. (Talksport), external
Fans react to nostalgic new kitpublished at 16:14 BST 1 July
16:14 BST 1 July
Image source, Coventry City
Coventry City have launched their 2026-27 home kit and fans have been reacting on BBC Radio CWR.
Supporter Ricky is happy to be back in the stripes from 1987 and disputes the concerns that the colour isn't sky blue enough, while another fan Adam says they'll be waiting until the shirt is on sale at the end of the season.
New Coventry kit nods to 1987 glorypublished at 10:42 BST 1 July
10:42 BST 1 July
Image source, Coventry City
Coventry City have launched their home kit for the club's first Premier League season in 25 years.
The new strip is inspired by the heroic efforts of 1987, when the Sky Blues lifted the FA Cup at Wembley.
The club explained: "A deeper Sky Blue base pays tribute to the shirt worn on that historic day at Wembley, honouring the heritage that still runs through this football club.
"Across the front, bold striped detailing features a subtle four-tone sky blue jacquard pattern, inspired by the scenes that filled Coventry city centre when the Cup came home. Fine navy pinstripes running through each stripe reference the original 1987 design, while navy accents on the collar and the signature Hummel chevrons complete the look. The stripe pattern gradually fades toward the back, creating a clean finish built for names and numbers."
The kit launch forms part of an immense challenge for the club in getting ready for the Premier League. Below you can listen to Coventry's chief business officer Nicola Ibbetson discuss ticket changes, retail and the stadium.
'Now Lampard needs backing'published at 09:24 BST 1 July
09:24 BST 1 July
Rob Gurney BBC CWR
Image source, Coventry City
This is the news Sky Blues fans have been waiting all summer long for. Since the We Are Back celebration at the city's War Memorial Park when thousands chanted "sign the contract" at a partying Frank Lampard.
When he was appointed in November 2024 on a two-and-a-half year deal, owner/chairman Doug King's throwaway line was something like "that's as long as most of them get, isn't it?"
The pair of them can't have imagined it'd have gone this well.
From 17th to Championship play-offs, agonising semi-final defeat, and then the most spectacular of resets; winning the EFL title with 95 points, 11 clear of their nearest rivals, scoring 97 goals and winning 28 matches. Lampard has been great for Coventry City, but equally, Coventry City have been great for Frank Lampard. After his experiences at Everton, and particularly Chelsea second time around, he needed somewhere to rebuild his bruised reputation, and he has delivered on that exceptionally.
Both Crystal Palace and Fulham - established Premier League clubs - were keen to spirit him back to London earlier this summer, but this new three year deal removes that possibility, at least in the short term. His special connection with the players, but most of all, City fans, was there for all to see as last season's memorable campaign reached its glorious climax.
Now Lampard needs backing so he has a squad of players that can compete at the highest level for the first time in 25 years. The floor is now yours, Doug...
'We're going to give it everything' - Lampard signs new contractpublished at 18:19 BST 30 June
18:19 BST 30 June
Image source, Getty Images
Coventry City head coach Frank Lampard says he wants to build on the "spirit and togetherness" of the Championship title-winning campaign and that's why he has signed a new deal that will keep him at the club until 2029.
"After the incredible work of everybody to get promoted and win the Championship, it was important to enjoy the moment, and we certainly did as a city," said Lampard.
"Our job then as staff, and for the players of course, is to firstly recharge but also focus on what we want to do and what we need to for next season.
"There's a lot of work to do on and off the pitch as a football club, so those things have been on going.
"I'm looking forward to getting back with the players, to see them all and get ready for the new season.
"I'd like to thank everyone at the football club - the fans first and foremost for how they've supported the team, myself and my staff in allowing us to get to where we've got to. The spirit and togetherness we created last year was something great to be part of and now we want to continue it.
"Thank you to Doug King as well for giving me the opportunity to come to this football club and for his support of us. We work together and we know there's a lot to do but we're going to give it everything."
'I could see Amenda starting for Coventry and developing' - Ecknerpublished at 14:13 BST 30 June
14:13 BST 30 June
Image source, Getty Images
German football expert Constantin Eckner believes there is a possibility that Aurele Amenda will leave Eintracht Frankfurt this summer in the hope of getting more game time.
The 22-year-old centre-back made 24 Bundesliga appearances last season and five in the Champions League.
Amenda is at the World Cup as part of Switzerland's squad but has been linked with a move to Coventry City in recent days.
"There is a sense that his time at Frankfurt might come to a close," said Eckner on BBC CWR. "He contemplated moving in January because he didn't get that much playing time, or as much as he was promised last summer.
"He's a talented, really tall Swiss defender. Right now, he is with the Switzerland team at the World Cup - although he's not played a minute so far because Manuel Akanji and Nico Elvedi are the regular and established centre-back pairing.
"It's a bit too early [in his career] to get past them and get a starting spot, but that might come in the future."
On his strengths, Eckner added: "He's athletic and has a really high work ethic. I've been told by people at Frankfurt that he really puts in the work and even after training sessions, which is really appreciated by a lot of people.
"He's not had the easiest of times at Frankfurt because sometimes he's only been a back-up. He did get more game time under Albert Riera, who was Frankfurt's coach for the second half of the season, but I think it's time for him to move on and try something else.
"Getting a starting XI spot would be a fresh start for a very talented defender. I could see him starting for Coventry City and developing as he's only 22 years old."
🎧 'We're attracting the right sort of people in all areas of the club'published at 12:04 BST 30 June
12:04 BST 30 June
On the latest episode of BBC CWR's Sky Blues Fancast, fans Adam Sloman and Moz Baker reflect on the permanent signing of Frank Onyeka from Brentford and the news Coventry are set to appoint Rangers' Sal Bibbo as their new goalkeeping coach.
The former Arsenal goalkeeping coach will join Frank Lampard's staff as the Sky Blues prepare for their Premier League return.
"It goes to show we're attracting the right sort of people in all areas of the club," said Adam. "It can only be good news."
"We're aiming high and that's where the club needs to be aiming," added Moz.
Coventry set to add keeper coach Bibbo to Lampard's staffpublished at 17:22 BST 29 June
17:22 BST 29 June
Nick Mashiter Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Coventry are set to appoint Rangers' Sal Bibbo as their new goalkeeping coach.
The former Arsenal goalkeeping coach will join Frank Lampard's staff as the Sky Blues prepare for their Premier League return.
He joined Rangers as part of Russell Martin's staff last summer but will now replace Aled Williams, who has left Coventry after seven years.
Bibbo leaves Ibrox after Derek McInnes was appointed as the new head coach, replacing Danny Rohl after he left to join Red Bull Salzburg earlier this month.
Bibbo joined Arsenal as first-team goalkeeping coach in 2019 before leaving a year later and has also coached at Sheffield Wednesday.
Coventry are preparing for their first top-flight campaign since 2000-01 after winning the Championship last season.
They are keen to bring goalkeeper Carl Rushworth back to the club after his successful spell on loan from Brighton.
You're the scout! Which World Cup players do you want at your club?published at 11:46 BST 29 June
11:46 BST 29 June
Image source, Getty Images
We're now into the knockout rounds of the biggest World Cup ever and we want to know who has grabbed your attention so far - especially with the summer transfer window a couple of weeks into being officially open.
Which player has raised your eyebrows? Who has exceeded your expectations? Has there been a player you had no knowledge of consistently impress you?
Ultimately, who would you realistically like to see lining up for your team in the Premier League next season?
This is your opportunity to show off your talent-spotting skills - the floor (pitch) is yours...
And there's more - the BBC has launched live match updates so you can see the score directly on your lock screen through the full 90 minutes and beyond.
This means you can keep track of every game wherever you are - whether you're on the move, at work, or away from a TV. With live match updates on your lock screen, the score is always just a glance away.
This feature will also extend into the 2026-27 Premier League season, so you're never out of the loop.
🎧 When belief returned: Episode five of new Coventry documentarypublished at 08:57 BST 29 June
08:57 BST 29 June
Media caption,
The relegation from League One to the bottom tier of English football starts episode five of Back Where We Belong.
Under Mark Robins, Coventry City found their identity and stability on the pitch, with fans finding joy in small and shared moments.
Instability off the pitch lingered, though. With Wasps still owning the Ricoh Arena, the Sky Blues were forced to ground-share with Birmingham City at St Andrew's.
Then came the remarkable 2019-20 season and promotion to the Championship - and the Sky Blues returned to the Ricoh on a 10-year deal the following campaign.
'Spectacular own goal' - fan on 'dreadful and upsetting' pricing decisionpublished at 18:02 BST 26 June
18:02 BST 26 June
Media caption,
Coventry City supporter Martin Wheatley believes chairman Doug King "has scored a spectacular own goal" with the newly announced season ticket pricing structure before the club's return to the Premier League.
Wheatley, who has been going to watch the Sky Blues since his sixth birthday, and has had a season-ticket in the Legends Lounge for the past six years, spoke about his feelings on the situation on BBC Radio CWR.
"It is a disgrace, really. A lot of us are very angry. The club are putting money above the loyalty of many fans," he said.
"People in hospitality who are saying: 'That is too steep for me thank you, but I do want to continue supporting the football club' cannot buy a season ticket anywhere in the arena. It is a flat 'no' from the club.
"We have also been told by the ticket office that even when we get to 14 July, there is no plan in place for anyone who has been displaced to buy a season ticket then.
"It just doesn't make sense. It is a money-grab. It is a dreadful and upsetting decision.
"The owner is causing a lot of upset. He is upsetting people that have supported and put money into his football club over the years.
"We were never even given the opportunity to buy a Premier Package in hospitality, but we still paid £300 to £400 more per season and our reward is basically that the club don't want us anymore.
"I feel as though Coventry City don't want me as a supporter anymore. It is like they are saying: 'Thanks very much for your 55 years worth of support, but actually we don't want you anymore because you can't afford to pay the ticket so we aren't going to give you the opportunity to buy one elsewhere'.
"In my opinion, the chairman has scored a spectacular own goal because he hasn't listened on this one."
Listen to the full conversation by pressing play above or on BBC Sounds here
A product of the Sky Blues' academy set-up, the centre-back has featured for under-18s and captained the under-21s in the Premier League Cup. He has also been named on the bench for the first team.
"I'm buzzing to sign a new contract," Perry told club media. "I have been at Coventry for a long time now and I love the people involved in and around the club, so I'm really glad that I'm going to be staying here.
"Last year was really beneficial for me, getting those experiences playing at Wembley and the massive game against York on the last day of the season.
"Being in men's football and learning the game was really important, so I've got a lot of people to thank at Rochdale. It has set me up for what is hopefully going to be a big year for me.
"I want to come back as fit as possible and be ready to play football again."
