Coventry City pre-season latest, Kevin Campbell tribute and Sky Blues at Copa America

It continues to be all quiet on the Coventry City front as fans eagerly await news on a host of things from transfer business to new kits. But that doesn’t mean it’s not busy behind the scenes at he club.

The Sky Blues recruitment department have entered their busiest time of the year following this summer’s transfer window officially opening last Friday, while we’re less than a fortnight away from the players reporting back for pre-season at Ryton. There will be at least three joining in later than the others due to international commitments, albeit none of City’s squad involved in the Euros this time around.

Here’s a round-up of what’s been going on in and around the club over the last few days and in the coming weeks.

Another pre-season fixture for your diary

Coventry City’s pre-season schedule continues to take shape with another friendly fixture added to the list, which includes two high-profile games at the CBS Arena against Everton (Tues, July 30, 7.30pm) and SV Werder Bremen (Sat, Aug 3, 3pm), and an away trip to recently relegated Bundesliga side SV Darmstadt (Sat, July 27).

The Sky Blues will also take in a trip to League One side Stevenage on Tuesday, July 23, at the Lamex Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 7pm. More domestic friendlies away from home are expected.

Kasey Palmer and Joel Latibeaudiere, meanwhile, get their tournament up and running with Jamaica on Saturday, against Mexico before their remaining Group B games against Ecuador (June 26) and Venezuela (July 1).

There are four Groups of four teams in the competition, which kicks off with favourites Argentina playing Canada on Thursday, while Brazil get their effort underway against Paraguay next Monday.

The competition concludes with the final on July 14 and even if the USA and Jamaica bow out before then, City’s trio of long haul internationals will clearly be reporting back for pre-season later than their Sky Blues teammates this summer, with the majority due to be back at Ryton for fitness testing on July 1.

Joel’s tribute to Kevin Campbell

City defender Latibeaudiere has added his own personal message on social media following the death of former Arsenal, Nottingham Forest and Everton striker Kevin Campbell, after a short illness.

Joel wrote on X, formerly Twitter: RIP Kev, thank you for everything you did for me and my family. Will always miss you. Love you big man.

The 24-year-old Sky Blues player is the same age as Kevin’s son Tyrese, who plays for Stoke, with both coming through Manchester City’s Academy together, which is where the link is thought to have come from.

George and John statue boost

The Sky Blues’ statue campaign is just £15,000 shy of its target following a £10k boost from Coventry recruitment specialist, Genesis Employment, which is supporting the move to recognise the achievements of John Sillett and George Curtis in winning the FA Cup.

More than £185,000 has so far been raised from local companies and individuals, with just £15,000 left to hit the target.

The management team at the employment agency are keen supporters of Coventry City, having previously been the ‘back of shirt’ sponsor during the 2013/14 season and a pitch side advertiser since 2005.

“I’ve been watching Cov since my dad first took me when I was just nine,” explained Gaynor Frost, Managing Director of Genesis Employment. Winning the cup in 1987 will live with us forever and, despite some of the tough times the club has been through, we always had that wonderful day at Wembley. The Keith Houchen diving header, Dave Bennett working his magic, the sea of Sky Blue – we owe all of that to John Sillett and George Curtis.”

She added: “We pride ourselves on being a Coventry business so wanted to extend our relationship with the club and ensure this fantastic tribute takes its rightful place on Jimmy Hill Way outside the Coventry Building Society Stadium.”

Genesis Employment was founded in 2002 by Gaynor and Richard Frost with the aim of offering an independent alternative to high-street recruitment agencies.

Richard Frost said: “We do most of our business in and around Coventry and have built some excellent long-term partnerships with local employers and workers. Like us, they love the city and are deeply passionate about it and we have put out a rallying call to get more companies and individuals behind the statue appeal.”

Joe Elliot MBE, a member of the Statue Appeal committee, added his support: “Genesis Employment’s generous donation has given the campaign a real boost and takes us very close to our target.

“It is only right that we have a lasting memory dedicated to that famous day and we’re keen for more employers to come forward and follow Gaynor and Richard’s example. It doesn’t have to be £10k – there are lots of different packages available and supporters keen to take part can also pledge their backing. Any individual, family or business who donates £500 or more will get their name on the plinth of the statue.”