“It’s a crazy scenario.” Dean Gordon on Coventry and COVID-19
Former Coventry City defender Dean Gordon speaks on his time at the club, the Sky Blues’ current predicament and how coronavirus has affected his work.
The Midlands side, under the guidance of Mark Robins, haven’t lost a game since December and were keen to continue their incredible run and rejoin the Championship for the first time since 2012.
Coventry City have had a remarkable season, currently sitting in first place, five points ahead of runners-up Rotherham United.
However, the coronavirus pandemic has seen the football season grind to an indefinite halt. The deadly illness, which is taking the world by storm, has seen the beautiful game stopped in its tracks.
Ex-Coventry City full-back Dean Gordon, who featured for the club in the second tier, has belief that the season will continue and that the Sky Blues will get the promotion they deserve.
“Even if games are played behind closed doors, so be it.”
“I think the season should finish even if it’s until Christmas. It’s important that promotion and relegation is sorted. It’s a crazy scenario that’s not been seen since the World War. Even if games are played behind closed doors, so be it.”
Gordon played for Coventry from 2002 to 2004, having made his name as a mainstay in Crystal Palace’s sides of the 1990s.
He later went on to Middlesbrough where his son, Nathan Wood, is currently making his name. The Croydon-born star is quietly hopeful that Coventry City will be facing Boro next season in the Championship.
Nathan Wood is making his name at Championship side Middlesbrough - where his father played from 1998-2002.
On the Sky Blues’ dreams of the step up, he said: “I’m pleased for the club and how they are doing this season. They’re in a great position and look strong, particularly at home. Their away form wasn’t great but they’ve picked that up.”
More than The Beautiful Game
Many people may forget that it isn’t just professional sport which is troubled by the virus.
Dean Gordon currently works as a futsal coach, football mentor and agent and each line of work has been greatly affected:
“The virus has put pay to my futsal leagues and one-to-one sessions. I am an agent for one particular player who I’ve nurtured for seven years from grassroots. With no games, I’ve not been able to watch him. It’s like the off-season, not a lot to do.”
Gordon’s short stay at Highfield Road, the club’s ground at the time, was hit and miss. He enjoyed his first campaign but some personal problems sadly led to things going downhill.
“My favourite memories are from my first season. There were good young players in that team. I arrived hungry and started well but things didn’t go great after that.“
“Gary McAllister was a good player, he managed as well. I knew Richard Shaw from my Palace days. Craig Pead and (Gary) McSheffrey were good lads and Julian Joachim too.”
He still watches Coventry games and wishes the team well.
“They’re a great team and I want them to do well. It should be a case of playing Saturday and Tuesday like the Christmas and New Year schedule. The start of next season can wait.”
Should the season resume behind closed doors?
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Article by: George Hartley
Formatted by: Samuel Slaney
Thumbnail by: Samuel Slaney
Images from: Getty Images and Focus Images LTD