Coventry parties as Sky Blues return to the Premier League after 25 years

The congratulations keep coming

We're yet to find out if this will play a part in the victory parade.. but the staff at CV Life, which runs the Transport Museum, have posted this message of congratulations.

This double-decker was adorned in Sky Blues colours to celebrate the squad's 1987 FA Cup victory as they paraded through the city streets..

Here's how the city will celebrate

A city-wide celebration will mark the club's return to the Premier League, it said.

They're dusting off the bus for a parade and music festival in the Memorial Park for up to 50,000, on 4 May from 13:00.

"Our players and management will lead an open-top bus parade through the streets of Coventry, bringing the celebrations direct to within the heart of our community," the club said.

The parade will begin at Coventry Building Society Arena before traveling through Holbrooks, Whitmore Park, Keresley, Coundon and Chapelfields, with the parade ending at Hearsall Common.

'Destination Premier League'

William Oelrich

"The next train to depart from platform four is the 2026 Coventry to Premier League service."

Avanti West Coast are getting in on the action, with Sky Blues themed-announcements at the city's railway station.

Steve Haskins from the company said the team's feat was "monumental for all of us as as city and collectively as a community".

"It’s just been absolutely amazing, something I never thought I was going to see in my lifetime again," he said.

"This is a party all the way through. It’s just going to be the best time to be alive in Cov isn’t it. If you’re a city fan you’re just never going to repeat that ever again."

Digital traffic boards are also signposting the promotion.

Buses get on board with the celebrations

All 130-odd city buses, operated by National Express, are celebrating the team's success, the company said.

Spokesman Adam Rideout said bus destination signs would all read: "Congratulations Sky Blues.

"We tested it and could fit Coventry City on," he explained.

it was right for the company to celebrate, he said, "we're a local bus operator, and everyone that uses our services support the Sky blues.. so massive congratulations to them."

PUSB iced buns selling like hot cakes

Over at Stoke Bakery, Gemma Glover says their "Play Up Sky Blues" treats have been selling - well - like hot cakes.

"As soon as we're putting them on the shelves, that's it they're gone," she said.

She reckons the Sky Blue bounce has increased business ten-fold.

Listen back: 'I'm so proud' - Doug King

Doug King took on sole ownership of the club in January 2023.

He accepted his decision to part company with Mark Robins, who had led the Sky Blues to two promotions, the Championship play-off final and an FA Cup semi-final during his time in charge, had not been popular.

But it had to be done because "we felt we needed a change of direction", King said.

Lampard has vindicated that call and could now secure Coventry's first title since winning the old second division in 1967.

King, who said being called a Premier League team felt "surreal", added that the club had brought the city together.

In pictures: Team celebrates promotion

Lampard said he would allow the players to enjoy securing promotion, but then turn their attentions to winning the title.

And celebrate they did.

"The players can have a couple of beers on the way home, but they've got to get the job done now," Lampard added.

Check out some more images from the night on our Instagram page. , external

'One of the richest prizes in sport'

Vanessa Pearce

BBC News

The biggest names in English football now await Coventry City next season - along with the riches that come with playing in the Premier League.

The financial boost to clubs being promoted is "staggering" in comparison to incomes received in the Championship, according to Coventry University’s football finance expert Dr Tom Bason.

"It will mean a huge amount, it's one of the richest prizes in sport," said the assistant professor.

"Roughly thought to be worth £170m.

"The biggest change to the club financially is it will get to access the Premier league's broadcasting deal," said Bason.

"Straight away they'll be guaranteed £100m, or so, from TV broadcasting deals, and then they'll be looking to also make more money on commercial deals, getting new sponsors, selling more merchandise and, I'd have thought, to a certain extent, match day sales, trying to sell more tickets and perhaps for a little bit more than they currently do."

How Coventry earned Premier League return

Nick Mashiter

BBC Sport football news reporter

After 25 years, Coventry are back in the Premier League.

It has been 9,114 days since they were relegated - by a 3-2 defeat at Aston Villa on 5 May 2001 - with the Sky Blues then tumbling to the brink.

At Ewood Park on Friday, Bobby Thomas equalised six minutes from time to secure Coventry City's return to the Premier League after 25 years and begin their promotion party.

Thomas wrote his name in Sky Blues history as he headed home in front of the away fans to send them wild at Ewood Park.

The Coventry fans sang the 25-year-old defender's name and after the club's journey all the way down to League Two, Frank Lampard has led them back to the top flight.

Join us in celebrating the Sky Blues' promotion

Vanessa Pearce

BBC News

Good morning from Coventry.

Let me just confirm you are not dreaming - the Sky Blues have finally done it and returned to the Premier League, 25 years after they were relegated from the top flight.

Blackburn manager Michael O'Neill said his side would try to spoil Coventry City's promotion party at Ewood Park last night.. but they didn't manage to put the dampers on it.

Join us as we celebrate your celebrations in Coventry, Warwickshire and around the world and all breathe a Sky Blue sigh of relief.

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