After achieving promotion to the Premier League after 25 long years away following a 1-1 draw at Blackburn on Friday night thanks to a late Bobby Thomas header which allowed Coventry City to celebrate their promotion over the weekend.
As an 18-year-old Coventry City fan who has seen everything from relegations, owner problems and groundshares, it was miserable growing up supporting this team week in, week out, but I never stopped supporting my team.
I was one of the 9,255 average that supported the team in League Two and now, I can say my team are a Premier League side for the first time in my lifetime.
Having travelled to Blackburn on Friday afternoon ahead of the game, nerves were still there – even though it was almost impossible to be overtaken regardless of the result, it was the thoughts, will we see it through in front of 7.5k away fans?
Yes. Yes we did, all thanks to a centre-back named Bobby Thomas. 85 minutes on the clock, time running out – the former Burnley defender superbly headed across goal to secure that vital point which meant the Premier League would welcome back Coventry City.
After that, it was by far the best away end I have ever been in – so many different feelings: happy, emotional, proud and any other word you could want to describe it as “we are Premier League” rings out from the Darwen End at Ewood Park.
The full-time whistle blows and wow, just wow. The feeling that after 25 years we were back in the Premier League – I don’t feel that feeling will ever be topped. It was emotional to a new level, fans in tears all around myself (me included!)
The celebrations began on the pitch from the players as they made their way to party in front of the travelling supporters who were in fine voice, thanking the players for the most unforgettable season ever.
It still doesn’t feel real, a team I was supporting when we were struggling in League Two have been promoted to the Premier League.
Regardless of whether we struggle, get relegated or finish rock bottom, I don’t care. All I’ve ever said is I want to see us in the top flight for just one year – my dream is coming true!
