Dave Boddy has announced his departure from Coventry City after what he describes as an “incredible” seven years at the club. The chief executive is to leave the Sky Blues at the end of January, having been at City since February 2017, and presided over promotion from League Two up to the Championship as well as success in the Checkatrade Trophy at Wembley.
Boddy has also steered the club through some pretty choppy waters including a groundshare, a pandemic and the administration of the stadium it rents. Announcing his decision, he said: “I have decided to call time on my part in the incredible journey that we have been on together over the last seven years. I am leaving the Club on excellent terms, which is my decision, and am taking a break to recharge my batteries.
“Doug King has a vision of the way he wants to take the Club forward towards the Premier League, and I sincerely hope that he can deliver it. I decided back in the summer to leave, but agreed to stay on while Doug undertook his restructuring process, which he has now nearly completed.
“Our achievements have been quite incredible under extremely difficult circumstances, and I am very proud of the role that I have played in that success.” We have resurrected the Club from the depths of League Two to Championship play-off finalists thanks to the talent of Mark Robins, with whom I have a tremendous connection.
“We accomplished all of this against all odds, overcoming numerous challenges and obstacles along the way.” Being evicted from the Arena by Wasps in 2019 and forced to groundshare with Birmingham City at St Andrew’s, followed by the pandemic, was a challenging situation. We reached a wonderful ten-year agreement with Wasps to return to the Arena in March 2021, only for them to go insolvent and dissolve in November 2022.
“2022 was a particularly difficult year for us, given the problems we had with the pitch at the Arena due to Commonwealth Games rugby being played, followed by the demise of Wasps and nearly of the Arena itself.” This heightens the significance of reaching the Championship Play-Off Final of a miracle, with all our playing successes at every stage coming with below average budgets.
“We have also seen rises in attendances, supported by record Season Ticket sales for the last two seasons, plus an excellent partnership with Hummel, allowing us to create some of the best shirts in many years. At the same time, despite challenges outside of the Club, we have improved the relationship with supporters, through supporters clubs and our work in the community. When I joined relationships were toxic, but that is no longer the case and those bonds have been re-established over time.
“The success we have achieved has been testament to the togetherness and spirit that we have built at Ryton, and the excellent staff that have been at the Club have played a massive part in bringing us that success.
“Finally, I would like to thank the Sky Blue Army for their support of me personally along the way. Your support of me has been a driving force for me, particularly during the darker periods. Wherever my future takes me, I will remain forever Sky Blue.”
Coventry City manager Mark Robins said: “I’d like to thank Dave for all his help and support over the past seven years. He has helped to facilitate all of the decisions and actions during my tenure. I will miss all our daily interactions but look forward to catching up and seeing what he decides to pursue in the future.”
“Dave has been an incredible servant to the Club over a long period of time and leaves Coventry City Football Club in a far better position than what he inherited,” stated Coventry City owner Doug King.
“Over the last year he has been very supportive to the direction of travel that I plan to take the Club and this seems an ideal time to part company and wish him well, and he will always be welcome back at the Coventry Building Society Arena.”
In due course, the Club will make more announcements on new appointments.
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