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Sky Blue Fall

Sky Blue Fall

Inside Coventry City’s Fall From Grace

Richard Chamberlain

RRP: £18.99

Publication date: May 4, 2026

ISBN: 9781836802600

Pages: 272

Sky Blue Fall starts with a football club confident of a swift return to the Premier League and ends with one clinging on to its very existence by its fingertips. In the summer of 2001, Coventry City were preparing for life in the second tier after relegation. The drop had ended their unbroken 34 years in the top flight. Fans were hopeful it would be just a one-season stay, but in the seven years that followed, the club would rarely flirt with promotion. Instead, they would go through seven managers, endure delay after delay in their move to a brand new stadium and come within minutes of entering administration. Sky Blue Fall tells the tale of a football club that lurched from hope to despair but ultimately survived to fight another day. A club that enjoyed cup giant-killings and the arrival of big-name managers but still found themselves scrapping for survival. The story is told through interviews with key figures from the time, including managers Iain Dowie and Eric Black and dozens of players, such as Michael Doyle, Michael Mifsud, Richard Shaw and many more.

"This is an essential read for any Coventry City supporter, but also for any football fan who has been through dark days with their club... Where the book works best is with the quality of 'talking heads' who contribute their thoughts and memories."

On: Yorkshire Magazine

Richard Chamberlain

Rich Chamberlain’s first trip to watch his beloved Coventry City was in the inaugural Premier League season. He witnessed a dire 2-0 defeat to Wimbledon. Amazingly, this failed to put him off a life following the Sky Blues. He has written two previous books about Coventry City, When The Sky Was Blue and Benno: Dave Bennett’s Life In Football.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is "Sky Blue Fall" about?

Sky Blue Fall starts with a football club confident of a swift return to the Premier League and ends with one clinging on to its very existence by its fingertips. In the summer of 2001, Coventry City were preparing for life in the second tier after relegation. The drop had ended their unbroken 34 years in the top flight. Fans were hopeful it would be just a one-season stay, but in the seven years that followed, the club would rarely flirt with promotion. Instead, they would go through seven managers, endure delay after delay in their move to a brand new stadium and come within minutes of entering administration. Sky Blue Fall tells the tale of a football club that lurched from hope to despair but ultimately survived to fight another day. A club that enjoyed cup giant-killings and the arrival of big-name managers but still found themselves scrapping for survival. The story is told through interviews with key figures from the time, including managers Iain Dowie and Eric Black and dozens of players, such as Michael Doyle, Michael Mifsud, Richard Shaw and many more.

Who wrote "Sky Blue Fall"?

"Sky Blue Fall" was written by Richard Chamberlain.

Rich Chamberlain’s first trip to watch his beloved Coventry City was in the inaugural Premier League season. He witnessed a dire 2-0 defeat to Wimbledon. Amazingly, this failed to put him off a life following the Sky Blues. He has written two previous books about Coventry City, When The Sky Was Blue and Benno: Dave Bennett’s Life In Football.

Who would enjoy "Sky Blue Fall"?
"Sky Blue Fall" is perfect for readers who enjoy books about football.