In 1977, Sunderland and Coventry were two of the three teams at risk of suffering relegation from Division One on the final day of the season.
While Sunderland lost to Everton, Coventry’s game against Bristol City, who were the third team that could potentially be relegated, was delayed because of supposed ‘transport issues’ around Highfield Road.
With 15 minutes to go, and Sunderland’s game already finished, Coventry knew they would be safe if they claimed at least a draw. A point would also keep Bristol City safe.
With their game delicately poised at 2-2, Coventry’s then managing director, Jimmy Hill, arranged for the final score in the Sunderland game to be displayed on the scoreboard at Highfield Road.
Suddenly, Coventry and Bristol City’s players all knew they would survive if the scoreline remained unchanged. Cue 15 minutes of passing the ball around aimlessly before the final whistle blew.
Sunderland fans accused Hill of engineering the situation to his own advantage, and while the future BBC pundit was eventually cleared by an inquiry, the anger remained.
From that day onwards, there has been a degree of enmity between the two clubs, with Sunderland’s recent record against Coventry hardly salving the wounds.
READ MORE:
Ahead of tonight’s first leg, Sunderland have failed to win any of their last ten matches against the Sky Blues.
“I know about the history,” said Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris. “But now it is our chance to make history. We need to do something different to change the story.
“We want to be in the Premier League, and so need to break something. We are ready to face the challenge. It will be tough, but we are excited by it. We want to play in these big games and write a new story.
“There is pressure, but I enjoy pressure, absolutely. I think footballers and coaches at this level, we want to live this kind of event rather than being on vacation right now. We are lucky to still be together to talk about this opportunity and our ambitions. We are in a good situation.”
Coventry boss Frank Lampard admits he knew nothing about his club’s rivalry with Sunderland when he took over at the CBS Arena in the autumn. A few months on, and he knows all about it now.
“I’m aware of the rivalry between the two teams because I was told about it quite early in my time here,” said Lampard, once it became clear his side would be facing Sunderland.
“It’s not my rivalry, but I am Coventry now, so I have to be aware of it. It’s there, and that’s what football’s about, isn’t it? A bit of rivalry and a bit of edge.”
Le Bris has been exuding confidence ahead of the play-offs, confident his young guns are ready to fire Sunderland back to the Premier League.
While a number of Coventry’s squad boast the experience of having played in the Championship play-off final two years ago, Sunderland boast the youngest squad in the second tier.
Chris Rigg, Jobe Bellingham and Eliezer Mayenda are all aged 20 or under, yet they have impressed throughout the season, culminating in the Black Cats’ fourth-place finish.
Sunderland’s form might tailed off towards the end of the regular season, but having ensured his players are fit and fresh ahead of tonight’s semi-final opener, Le Bris is confident his youngsters will rise to the occasion.
“They have this potential because they showed so many qualities this season – now it’s time to deliver,” said the Sunderland boss. “I think they expect this.
“They are excited, ready to go, and at the same time, with just a small dose of doubt, which is really useful to be competitive.”
