Outgoing Lord Mayor 'thrilled' at Coventry City success
Coventry’s outgoing Lord Mayor has congratulated the Sky Blues on getting to the Championship play-off final.
Cllr Kevin Maton praised the “phenomenal” journey of the Sky Blues and said it was an “incredible achievement” for the club and city.
The football club will face Luton Town at Wembley on Saturday, May 27 – a stark change from when both were in League Two for the 2017/18 season.
Cllr Maton said he was “unbelievably proud” of the team’s success after Coventry City defeated Middlesbrough 1-0 to get through to the final.
He said: “I would like to say a big congratulations to Coventry City Football Club for making the Championship play-off final. What an incredible achievement for our club and our city.
“As a dedicated season ticket holder, I am unbelievably proud of this success. The work that has gone into Coventry’s journey is phenomenal. It’s been a tough road, but to get to this point is a fantastic achievement.
“The support...throughout Coventry’s whirlwind journey has been nothing less than superb. The fans are testament to the brilliant achievements earned by this club, and long may that continue.
“Like so many others, I wish the team the very best of luck in their final game against Luton at Wembley. I hope to get my ticket so I can cheer on the Sky Blues in what could be their next step into the Premier League!”
Coventry’s Lord Mayor is designed to be a non-political and ceremonial role typically held by long-seving councillors at Coventry City Council.
The mayor is the first citizen of Coventry and also chairman of the council at full meetings.
Today (18 May) Cllr Jaswant Singh Birdi will be elected Lord Mayor of the city and Cllr Mal Mutton will be made Deputy Lord Mayor at the council’s annual meeting in Coventry Cathedral.
Cllr Joseph Clifford is also expected to be made an honorary alderman of the city.
Last year, Coventry City Council spent over £17,000 on its annual meeting – the first held in person for three years – with thousands going on food and drink, organ hire and security.
A council spokesperson said at the time the event was “a special occasion in the civic calendar for many.”
“The occasion also marked the end of the term of office for the previous Lord Mayor and the two Lord Mayors before this, as well as the creation of two honorary aldermen, which makes this year’s event a little more unusual than most others,” they added.