Leicester City head to Coventry with unusual feeling as 16 years of dominance set to end | Leicestershire Live

The two clubs have been on opposiong trajectories for the past few years and the Sky Blues look set to finish above Leicester City for the first time since 2009

For 17 seasons in a row between 1951 and 1968, Leicester City finished above Coventry in the English league ladder. It is the longest period either side has been on top in the post-war era.

City had a chance to match that run this season. For the past 16 campaigns, they have finished above Coventry, the club’s fortunes diverging wildly.

While City won the Premier League, Coventry dropped into the fourth tier for the first time in 59 years. In 2018, just eight years ago, there were 65 places between the clubs in the league ladder.

But it seems extremely unlikely that City’s run of dominance will extend to a 17th straight season this year. It would take a significant upturn at the King Power Stadium, and an almighty capitulation down the M69, for City to stay on top.

This weekend, City head to the CBS Arena and many of the fans making the short trip would likely say they’d be happy with a point. Being content with a draw against Coventry is an unusual feeling.

The change of hands is as much to do with Coventry’s success as it is City’s downfall. They’ve made smart decisions in both manager and player recruitment.

Under the stewardship of Mark Robins, a former City player no less, they rose through the ranks, but a controversial decision to drop him for Frank Lampard after seven-and-a-half years looks like paying off.

Big-money sales of Viktor Gyokeres and Gustavo Hamer allowed a recruitment department already making good signings to bring in a better calibre of player.

Over the past five years, too few of City’s managerial and recruitment decisions have paid off. Together with poor financial management, it’s put them in reverse while Coventry are racing ahead.

The directions of the clubs are shown inside the grounds too, Coventry overtaking City for average attendance this season.

But while the clubs appear to be on opposing trajectories, and while City supporters will head to Coventry in hope more than expectation, football is unpredictable.

City have shown they can shut down the free-scoring Sky Blues, their last Championship clean sheet coming in the goalless draw between the clubs in September.

While City have won three of their last four in all competitions, Coventry have won none.

So City can win the battle this weekend, even if their hopes of winning the war for a 17th straight year look dim.

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