Football
Sky Blues chief executive Tim Fisher inspired by Southampton progress

Tim Fisher praised Coventry City fans and feels they are the club's main asset. 14.011.017.cov.jg16

THE Sky Blues are using Southampton's recent promotion to the Premier League as their inspiration according to the club's chief executive Tim Fisher.

The Saints were relegated in 2005 after a long stint in the top flight and by 2009 had dropped into League One after falling into administration.

But under new ownership and the guidance of manager Neil Adkins they have secured back-to-back promotions and will make return to the top flight next season.

"There lies the perfect model of a 'fallen angel' bouncing back to the Premier League," Fisher told the Observer.

"I take inspiration from what Southampton has achieved recently.

"Other clubs too like Charlton who have went into free-fall from the Premier League have just won promotion back to the Championship as League One champions. These clubs lead by example.

"However, there has been lots of pain and uncertainty for the supporters at Southampton to endure and everyone involved with the club but they adopted a mindset to return back to the Premier League and that has happened."

Fisher admitted it would not be a comfortable ride for supporters, but has ruled out the option of administration for Coventry.

He added: "If you look at what happened to Southampton in their first year in League One they had a ten point deduction after falling into administration, which subsequently meant they finished just outside the play-offs.

"We don't want that to happen to us which is why administration does not make any sense.

"We don't want to start next season with a ten point deduction. We want to bounce back immediately.

"We need a sustainable plan both on and off the pitch and the help of our stakeholders and supporters.

"Our supporters made me very proud at Southampton. They sang throughout the entire 90 minutes and, in fact, they are our biggest asset."

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