Romance trumps hard cash in battle for top-tier status
The Independent|May 27, 2023
Coventry and Luton vie for glory today after years in the wilderness. Lawrence Ostlere on a special play-off final
Romance trumps hard cash in battle for top-tier status

For Coventry City and Luton Town, how do you even begin to quantify the enormity of today’s Championship play-off final?

Financially, of course, the prize is seismic. The winner can expect additional revenues between £170-285m over the next three seasons, depending how long they stay in the top flight.

When you consider that both clubs' annual income is around £17-18m right now, those are transformative, lottery-ticket numbers.

That money will go to good use. Luton are preparing to move from the rickety old shed that is Kenilworth Road to a new home at Power Court in the centre of town. The club have been looking to expand from the confines of the 10,000-capacity ground for more than half a century, with each new plan coming up against planning or finance restrictions, but a new start is finally coming.

At least they've had a steady home - Coventry fans have spent far too much time recently trekking to Birmingham and Northampton to groundshare amid disputes over their on-andoff stadium, the CBS Arena. The club's new owner, local businessman Doug King, is still working on a long-term agreement to secure their future at the stadium. At both clubs, facilities need upgrading; thin squads and stretched staff need investment.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة May 27, 2023 من The Independent.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة May 27, 2023 من The Independent.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.

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