ANY DOUBTS that Sky Blues boss Steven Pressley may have lost the dressing room were put to one side at the final whistle on Saturday afternoon after a hugely impressive comeback against League One high-flyers Peterborough, writes Observer sports editor Steve Carpenter.
It proved to be a classic Jekyll and Hyde performance from Pressley’s side who produced two 45-minute performances which could not have been further apart.
An out-of-sorts Sky Blues team looked all but destined for another defeat after an abysmal opening period.
The hosts were second to every tackle, lost every 50-50 challenge and the supporters rightfully vented their frustration when the players, who looked visibly low in confidence, made their way down the tunnel at the break.
But what re-emerged from the changing room was a rejuvenated side who showed passion, pride and a real determination to succeed for their manager.
Pressley’s words sparked the team to life and thanks to the help of his skipper Reda Johnson and on loan striker Frank Nouble the Sky Blues produced a truly remarkable turnaround.
Like every fan in the Ricoh I was gobsmacked and I left the ground feeling immensely proud of my team. I had never seen the Sky Blues come from 2-0 down to win a match. It felt I had witnessed something very special.
But this cannot be a one-off. An abysmal run of form has finally come to an end but now is the time to make a charge.
The jubilation was there for all to see as Pressley and his side huddled together as a show of unity at the final whistle but it’s pleasing to hear the Scot point out that this is just the beginning.
Post-match he said: “I won’t rest until we’re exactly where we should be.”
That’s the type of manager I want to work for.
Both Pressley and club chief executive Steve Waggott have previously spoken of promotion intentions and Saturday’s unlikely win must spark that ambition into life.