Coventry City legend Steve Ogrizovic, a figure synonymous with the club’s fortunes for over four decades, reflects on the Sky Blues’ remarkable journey from the brink of oblivion to a triumphant return to top-flight football. Having witnessed the club’s highs and lows as a player, coach, and broadcaster, Ogrizovic offers a unique perspective on the resilience and spirit that defines Coventry City.
The Depths of Despair and the Road to Recovery
Recounting the club’s most challenging periods, Ogrizovic identifies the relegation to League Two in the 2016-17 season as a particularly low point. This era was marked by financial turmoil, including administration in 2013 and a year-long exile at Northampton. The move from the historic Highfield Road ground to the then-Ricoh Arena (now CBS Arena) in 2005 is cited as a pivotal moment that initiated many of the club’s subsequent struggles. “It wasn’t thought out or financed properly,” Ogrizovic explains, detailing how delays and unexpected costs led to a council bail-out, setting a difficult financial precedent.
The subsequent ownership by hedge fund SISU exacerbated the club’s problems, leading to a strained relationship with the fanbase and a period of deep financial difficulty. “Administration was a low point,” Ogrizovic recalls. “We were cut to the bone.” Despite repeated assurances of improvement, the reality for those within the club was often a worsening situation year after year.
A Defining Moment: The 1987 FA Cup Triumph
Amidst the adversities, certain moments shine brightly. The 1987 FA Cup final victory over Tottenham Hotspur remains an indelible memory for Ogrizovic and the club’s supporters. “Not a day goes by without someone coming up to talk to me about the FA Cup final in 1987,” he shares. The 3-2 win is a constant topic of conversation, a testament to its enduring significance. For Ogrizovic, the defining moment of that day was the “relief at the final whistle when you’ve achieved a boyhood dream of winning the FA Cup.” He emphasizes the crucial role of the fans during that FA Cup run, highlighting how their support amplifies the excitement and enjoyment of the game.
The Unmeasurable Strength of Team Spirit
Ogrizovic, who holds the club record for appearances with 601 games between 1984 and 2000, also experienced the thrill of escaping relegation, notably in the 1984-85 and 1996-97 seasons. He notes that while the club never had vast financial resources compared to rivals, it relied on astute recruitment, player development, and, crucially, team spirit. “Coventry is a proud club with a brilliant fanbase and relied on team spirit and cohesion to punch above their weight,” he states. He draws parallels to the current squad, observing the strong connections between players and fans, and among the players themselves. “Sports scientists can’t measure it,” Ogrizovic asserts, referring to the intangible yet vital element of team cohesion that data cannot capture.
A Return to the Top Flight and a New Era
The club’s recent ascent, culminating in their return to the Premier League, has been a source of immense pride. Ogrizovic acknowledges the significant contributions of Mark Robins, who guided the team from League Two to the cusp of the Premier League. The decision to part ways with Robins and appoint Frank Lampard was met with some consternation, but Ogrizovic believes Lampard has since proven his worth. “Frank Lampard has done incredible things,” Ogrizovic says. “He’s carried the baton, made some slight changes but has been committed to attacking football… We’ve gained momentum and become more consistent and it’s got us to the Premier League. He’s a god in Coventry at the moment.”
The ownership under Doug King has also been a positive turning point. Ogrizovic praises King’s decision to return stadium ownership to the club, calling him “a breath of fresh air.” This move preceded the Championship title win under Lampard’s management.
The Enduring Appeal of Football’s Cycles
Reflecting on Coventry’s journey, Ogrizovic sees echoes in other clubs, such as Leicester City’s recent trajectory. He believes football’s inherent nature of cyclical change is what makes it so captivating. “Football has a habit of turning full circle. This is what football does, this is why it’s so exciting, this is why we love it because if you’ve been through the pain of the bad times, you will enjoy the good times.” His enduring connection to Coventry City, spanning playing, coaching, and broadcasting, underscores a lifelong dedication to a club that has experienced the full spectrum of sporting fortune.
A Nod to Past Passions: Cricket and Beyond
Beyond his illustrious football career, Ogrizovic also harbored a passion for cricket. During his time at Shrewsbury, he played for Shropshire and the Minor Counties, even sharing anecdotes of facing cricketing legends like Viv Richards. He humorously recalls a match where he dismissed Richards, only to later admit it was a no-ball. His time learning from Ray Clemence at Liverpool also provided invaluable experience, shaping his approach to goalkeeping and professional conduct.
