The new 'CAGE' for Coventry United...

Weathered Sphinx

Rain lashed through floodlit angle

Of shelter and stanchion,

Rasping upon glistening dugout roofs,

Drenching already sodden grass:

Turning collars up,

Tugging hoods on heads,

Shrugging shoulders tense and

Shattering aspirations like brittle glass.

Gale rushed across exposed stage

Of tenure and desolation,

Rattling upon corrugated shed’s metal,

Halting hurriedly punted kicks:

Teasing passes awry,

Twirling deliveries off course,

Spoiling accuracy’s intent and

Shredding creativity to odious risks…

Pete Ray

Coventry Sphinx’s ground on a cold, windy, squally evening in November, 2009. The er, 'grandstand' was shaking like a leaf. Loved it.

And next season, for Coventry United, this will be the new CAGE...

Maybe...