Coventry City

Image source, Getty Images

The opening day of the season is a day which is hotly anticipated across the globe as Premier League stars return to the pitches and screens.

In August 1993 - the late Freddie Mercury was at the top of the UK charts, John Major was the Prime Minister, and Micky Quinn was Coventry's hat-trick hero at Highbury.

Former Arsenal striker Bobby Gould was in the dugout for the Sky Blues as they visited Highbury for their opening game of the 1993-94 season.

It proved to be a game many Coventry fans will always remember and one Arsenal fans will want to forget.

Liverpool-born, Quinn scored all three goals in the 3-0 victory.

Speaking to The Set Pieces, external, Quinn recalled that hat-trick: "I got a call to say that no opposition player had scored a league hat-trick at Highbury for 75 years.

"The amazing thing is nobody did it after that either and I think I must have been one of the only people that was happy when Highbury was taken down."

Coventry would go on to remain unbeaten in their first eight league games of the season and finish in 14th position at the end of the 1993-94 campaign.

With 16 days to go until the West Midlands club take on Arsenal - the memories of Quinn will ring through the fanbase, but can a new hat-trick hero for Coventry be born on the opening day of the 2026-27 season?

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on what one bit of business you want Coventry to complete next after completing the signing of goalkeeper Carl Rushworth?

Here are some of your comments:

GT: We are desperate for a high quality left-back. The three we currently have at the club are not of Premier League quality, so it is important to bring in a player with proven ability, so strengthen in this position.

Ian: Get Gustavo Hamer's deal done. It will be a good squad player, and then we need a left-back and a centre-forward will be essential. Maybe another winger with Mykhailo Mudryk being an option.

Sitton: We would love the Gustavo Hamer rumours to be true. If we can get him back, that would be awesome! Gus is a player who creates chances, works his socks off, and is versatile, so he can fulfil various roles. He could replace any of our other midfielders! And he has proven he is Premier League worthy.

Warren: Now we have Carl Rushworth let's build a rock-solid defence. Wouldn't it be great if Rushworth never had to save a single shot because the defence was so good! I'd be looking for a rock-solid central defender with Premier League experience. Then, look at left and right-backs so they don't allow any crosses to come in.

Isaac: I'm just really happy we got Carl Rushworth's transfer over the line. He was a crucial part of our title-winning season and I don't believe that we would have had much of a chance in the Premier League without him.

Michael Emons
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Central midfielder Kai Andrews made his Coventry City debut aged 17 at the start of the 2023 season.

Andrews, now 19, can also play on the left and featured 10 times for the Sky Blues last season before spending the second half of 2025-26 on loan at Hibernian.

That was his second spell in the Scottish Premiership after a loan spell at Motherwell the campaign before. He scored his first senior goal in Hibernian's 2-1 league victory at Celtic in February, and he has already been capped three times by Wales.

Andrews has been back in Coventry colours in pre-season and will be hoping to force his way into Frank Lampard's Premier League line-ups.

Read more on youngsters to watch at each Premier League club this season

Image source, Getty Images

The worst kept secret in Coventry is finally out and it's a huge one. Carl Rushworth is back in Sky Blue for the foreseeable, and there's a real sense of relief around the club. His performances in the Championship last season weren't just impressive; they were a level above almost every other goalkeeper in the division. As Coventry step into the Premier League, his presence becomes even more essential. He will be called upon often, and he has already shown he can handle that responsibility.

There was a moment earlier in the summer when it felt like Coventry might pivot to a cheaper alternative. Had they done so, it would have sparked a year of regret and a fanbase full of what‑ifs. Instead, they've backed the goalkeeper they trust and the one supporters already adore.

The reported £22m fee, a club‑record outlay, is undeniably steep. But that's the English market, inflated further by big‑money moves like Elliot Anderson and Morgan Rogers earlier in the window. What Coventry have secured is a goalkeeper with huge potential, genuine resale value, and a connection with supporters that can't be manufactured. You can be sure chairman Doug King factored all of that into the decision.

Attention now turns to the rest of the squad. More additions feel likely before the window shuts, and as the EFL season kicks into gear, further departures seem inevitable too.

Listen to Sky Blues Fancast Live every Monday and Friday at 18:00 and subscribe to the Coventry City page on BBC Sounds

Now Rushworth has completed his permanent move - What is the one bit of business you want Coventry to complete next?

Get in touch with your views here

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist on BBC Radio CWR

Image source, Getty Images

A lot of clubs have been after a keeper; Leeds, Newcastle and Coventry City.

It is a bit like dominoes. Once one has gone, that sends speculation to another.

It feels like it has been going on for so long because Rushworth obviously teased the fanbase that he was going to sign the contract on top of the bus [during the Sky Blues' Championship trophy parade].

Maybe people thought it would get done a lot quicker. I don't think personal terms were ever going to be an issue. He fell in love with the club last season, but it's all the bits behind the scenes which we don't get to see.

It is an undisclosed fee, but from what we are hearing it is around £22.5m, which means Coventry City have broken their club transfer record fee three times now in this window alone.

You would probably expected that with them getting promoted. It is a big chunk of money, but he is a very promising English keeper, and you do have the English tax.

He comes from Brighton, who have produced a lot of brilliant keepers over the years. Now he has got to make the step-up to the Premier League himself.

It is invaluable the fact that he gets on so well with Frank Lampard and the other coaches and his team-mates. You cannot put a price on that.

He loves the fans – every time he puts the Coventry shirt on – you can see he is proud to wear it.

Image source, Coventry City FC

Coventry City's new signing Carl Rushworth said he "can finally relax" now the Sky Blues have completed the permanent signing of the 25-year-old from Brighton.

"I'm really happy, there's so many emotions that I've got," said Rushworth.

"I can finally relax knowing it's done and that I'm back with the boys and at a club I loved being at."

Rushworth first joined Coventry on loan last season from the Seagulls and featured in every league fixture during their promotion-winning season.

Although Rushworth has been at Brighton since 2019, the young goalkeeper has never featured in any top-flight fixtures, and he experienced loan spells at Worthing, Walsall, Lincoln City, Swansea City and Hull City.

"To see the love from the fans and to know I can now get back to playing in front of them, and to get a few pre-season games in, is really exciting," added Rushworth.

"I can't wait to experience the atmosphere at our first home game after 25 years of waiting to play in the Premier League. It's going to be unbelievable."

Sky Blues boss, Frank Lampard said Rushworth had "a huge impact" last season and that he is a "top professional".

"It's great to have Carl back with us on a permanent basis," said Lampard.

"I'm looking forward to working with him again and welcoming him back into the group."

Now Rushworth has completed his permanent move - What is the one bit of business you want Coventry to complete next?

Get in touch with your views here

Image source, Getty Images

As excitement and trepidation builds across the West Midlands - the fairly unknown territory of the Premier League awaits Frank Lampard's Coventry City.

On the latest Sky Blues Fancast, BBC CWR's Will Oelrich and Sky Blues fans Ben Taylor and Adam Sloman review the upcoming season and the speculation that surrounds links with Sheffield United's Gustavo Hamer.

During the 2025-26 season, momentum was key for Coventry's Championship title charge, and they remained undefeated in their first 12 league games of the season.

Taylor said: "This season is going to be all about momentum, and if we don't get it, it is going to be a long hard season."

So far, Coventry have signed Loum Tchaouna, Aurele Amenda and Frank Onyeka, and they are now heavily tipped to resign 29-year-old Hamer.

Taylor added: "I do think we need another natural number 10. If you get Gus Hamer at a good price, he is a player who can see a pass. Chris Wilder has played him out wide as well, so he can play a number of positions.

"We lack those central midfield players to get you up the pitch. We have got to go into next season the same way as we did last season and that's to attack. Defence isn't our strong point."

BBC CWR's Oelrich reported the Sky Blues have held "positive talks" with Hamer and that talks are still "ongoing".

The former Sky Blues midfielder featured in Wilder's side's pre-season draw against VfL Bochum.

On the speculation, Wilder said: "He's not come to me and said he doesn't want to play. There has been interest, of course. That's out there. But as far as I'm concerned, he's a Sheffield United player."

Before leaving Coventry for Sheffield United in August 2023, the Brazil-born Hamer scored 19 goals in 132 appearances.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and subscribe to the dedicated Coventry City page to get all Sky Blues audio content.

Newly promoted Coventry City are among three Premier League sides keen to sign Chelsea and Ukraine winger Mykhailo Mudryk, 25. (Mail - subscription required), external

Everton's English midfielder Tim Iroegbunam, 23, is interesting Hull City, Ipswich Town and Coventry City. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Should a club build a new stadium or upgrade its current home in a bid to maintain some history? How significant is a new ground in terms of revenue generated? Will it move the needle?

BBC Sport has worked with football finance expert Kieran Maguire to consider the impact a new home has.

Take a look at your club's matchday revenue figures from 2024-25 below and get the full article here.

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Coventry City stepped up their pre-season preparations with 1-0 win over Leicester City at Seagrave.

Sky Blues defender Joel Latibeaudiere scored the only goal of the game, heading it into the back of the net after Liam Kitching sent Josh Eccles' corner back across goal.

Almost-all of the squad were given minutes in the friendly, with 10 of the starting XI playing 75 minutes before being replaced.

Coventry continue their pre-season campaign on Saturday, 8 August against Spanish side Espanyol.

It will be the first time the Sky Blues have played at the Coventry Building Society Arena since lifting the Championship trophy in May.

Listen to the Sky Blues Fancast on BBC Sounds for all the latest City chat

And hear all about the Coventry photographer who's been snapping Coventry's Josh Eccles

Coventry City have agreed a club record deal worth an initial £22.5m deal to sign English goalkeeper Carl Rushworth, 25, from Brighton. (Telegraph - subscription required), external

Rangers are interested in Coventry City winger Jahnoah Markelo, with Brighton's Amario Cozier-Duberry still a player of interest. (Rangers Review - subscription required), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

Video assistant referees should only be used to change "blatantly incorrect" decisions and clear missed incidents, say European refereeing officials.

Chief refereeing officers from all 55 European national football associations met last week with Uefa refereeing officials and a representative from the International Football Association Board (Ifab) to address recent changes to the game's laws.

Attendees said "lengthy, microscoping reviews" indicate VAR has gone beyond its original scope.

When VAR was added to the laws of the game in 2018 by football's rulemakers Ifab, its "philosophy" was "minimum interference - maximum benefit", with the intention of reducing "unfairness caused by clear and obvious errors or serious missed incidents" relating to goals, penalties, direct red cards and mistaken identity.

Uefa said that at its recent meeting that refereeing bosses agreed a return to those original aims is needed.

"It was reiterated that, in accordance with protocol, VAR must only intervene in situations of 'clear and obvious' error, ie. when a referee decision is blatantly incorrect or when the referee has missed a clear incident," Uefa said in a statement.

"VAR is not meant to re-referee the game, it is an essential support to the referees, who must remain at the centre of all decision-making.

"Lengthy, microscoping reviews are often a symptom revealing that the decision on the field was not clearly and obviously incorrect, and should therefore be limited."

The Athletic's football finance writer Chris Weatherspoon believes "there is a gap to be bridged" in terms of how much money Coventry City can spend in preparation for their long-awaited Premier League return.

Speaking to BBC CWR, Weatherspoon explained his understanding of the club's financial situation: "Every club that comes up to the Premier League is different.

"Obviously spending money isn't a guarantee of success, it certainly does help though because the more you have to spend, the greater the safety net you have if you don't spend that particularly well.

"In terms of how much Coventry can spend, one of the interesting things is that the club are coming up in a year where they are going to be assessed on a squad cost ratio basis, so they are allowed to spend a certain proportion of their revenue on players, agent fees, transfer fees and the costs of a manager.

"Previously, clubs have come up and been held to rules about how much the overall club could lose across three seasons and most clubs in the Championship lose quite a lot of money, especially if they have been there for a while.

"However, nobody is going to be looking at those overall losses now. That means Coventry could spend an absolute fortune next season and still stay within the 85% of revenue they are allowed to spend.

"Wolves finished bottom of the Premier League last season and earned around £177m in TV money alone. Coventry's matchday income was £12m and their commercial income was around £9m the season before last.

"So if we add on those fairly modest improvement, you're looking at a baseline revenue of about £150m.

"When looking at squad cost, Coventry's squad cost £56m to compile at the end of 2024-25, while the lowest in the Premier League was Ipswich Town's squad at £136m - so there is a gap there to be bridged.

"It's hard to say what needs to be spent by a club because you could spend £100m badly, but there are four promoted clubs that have spent over £110m in recent years and all stayed up."

Listen to the full conversation above or listen on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

On BBC CWR's latest episode of The Sky Blues Fancast, Coventry City fans Alex and Ged discussed whether they were nervous about succeeding in signing Carl Rushworth from Brighton.

Just over a year ago, the Sky Blues announced the signing of Rushworth from Brighton on a season-long loan.

Ged told BBC CWR: "It has become a saga now. It has gone on for too long.

"We have been talking about it since the end of last season. It seemed clear to us that Rushworth wanted to stay."

Brighton have already rejected a £25m bid for the 25-year-old, and the Seagulls have reportedly tagged Rushworth with a £40m fee.

Alex said: "Rushworth isn't going to one of the big six sides, but he is still a player that Brighton know they can make a lot of money on. The reported fee £40m does seem a lot. That would make him one of the most expensive goalkeepers ever."

If Coventry were to seal the deal with a £40m bid, Rushworth would be ranked as the fourth most expensive goalkeeper in Premier League history, with only Kepa Arrizabalaga, Alisson Becker and Andre Onana moving to a Premier League club for more money.

Ged added: "Brighton are obviously looking for the most amount of money they can get. One thing that is maybe concerning is that I don't know what plan B is.

"If we do sign Rushworth, he doesn't need to do much to settle into the club. That will be a bonus."

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and subscribe to the dedicated Coventry City page to get all Sky Blues audio content.

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Filip Jorgensen is talking to Strasbourg about a potential move but also has interest from Coventry City.

A move for the goalkeeper to Strasbourg would be a loan deal to the Chelsea-adjacent club under the same BlueCo ownership.

The Dane, who is not in the squad for Tuesday's friendly, is discussing his potential salary package after his return to London from Sydney.

West Ham are interested in a move for Coventry City's USA international striker Haji Wright. (Football Insider, external), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

English football is set to implement a trial to try to eradicate the goalkeeper tactical timeout this season, BBC Sport can reveal.

The Football Association, Premier League, English Football League, National League and Women's Super League have agreed on the measure, pending permission from the International Football Association Board (Ifab).

Earlier this year, Ifab decided against changing the law and invited leagues to volunteer for trials.

Pro Ref, led by chief refereeing officer Howard Webb, has been in discussions with the leagues to determine how to tackle the issue. It settled on a team having to remove an outfield player from the field.

If a referee signals that the physio can come on to treat a goalkeeper, the coach will have 10 seconds to nominate another player to leave the pitch for one minute, telling the fourth official of their choice.

If no player has been selected within 10 seconds, the captain must leave the field.

Read more on the trial

The Premier League return draws closer and transfer needs become all the more pressing.

Join the BBC CWR team and some die hard Coventry City fans on the latest edition of The Sky Blues Fancast live.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and subscribe to the dedicated Coventry City page to get all Sky Blues audio content.

Image source, Coventry City FC

Coventry City have revealed their away kit for the 2026-27 season.

"The away kit is a jersey in off-white, navy and hot coral, colour of our principal sponsor Monzo," a club statement reads. "The hot coral side panels run through the jersey and shorts to create the full look."

The goalkeeper kit, pictured below, features a pattern of horizontal stripes and "checkerboard", which the Sky Blues say is "a key styling detail synonymous with Coventry".

Image source, Coventry City FC

Image source, Getty Images

Former Coventry City goalkeeper Andy Marshall says the Sky Blues summer target Carl Rushworth is worth the £30m price tag that Brighton are asking for.

The 25-year-old spent last season on loan at Coventry as Frank Lampard's side won the Championship.

Rushworth impressed during his stint and was named in the Championship team of the season, as well as sweeping up three club awards, including player of the season.

The Sky Blues now want the shot-stopper to sign permanently, but have had a £25m bid rejected by Brighton.

Speaking to BBC CWR, Marshall said: "He picked up every award at the club last year. You totally understand why people want to see him at the club, but these things play out because Brighton will want the best deal for him.

"Unfortunately, Brighton hold all the cards on this at the moment."

On whether Rushworth is worth the £30m fee, Marshall added: "Is any player worth, £100m, £120m, £170m, or whatever they're paying? I don't know. But if you look at the current market, yes, you probably would argue that he is worth it.

"Coventry will be doing their job. You can't go into a Premier League season with just two goalkeepers and there will be other options they are looking at.

"They obviously have got their preferred option."

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and subscribe to the dedicated Coventry City page to get all Sky Blues audio content.

Image source, Getty Images

Coventry City striker Norman Bassette has joined Belgian Pro League side KVC Westerlo on a season-long loan deal.

The 21-year-old, who signed for the Sky Blues in August 2024, had spells at Reaims and Kaiserslautern last season.

The deal with KVC Westerlo includes an option to buy.