Sky Blues 2011 highlights (2)

In a feat of optimism well suited to the time of year Vital Coventry has managed to eke the Sky Blues' 2011 highlights out to TWO separate articles.

After a summer of mainly outward transfer activity, a difficult start to the new season, the loss of Marlon King and fears over the club`s financial future, many City supporters feared a transfer deadline bloodbath of players of leaving the Ricoh Arena without being replaced.

The Sky Blues sprang a surprise however by spending £400,000 on Norwich City striker Cody McDonald, a deal financed by Ben Turner`s move to Cardiff.

McDonald came into the side straight away and helped his new team record their first win of the season, the Sky cameras in attendance as Derby County were beaten 2-0.

A brief upturn in fortunes on the pitch was soon halted as City threw away winning positions against Burnley and Doncaster and managed only a single point from a trio of tough home games against Southampton, West Ham and Cardiff.

Andy Thorn`s squad was crying out for reinforcements and eventually he was allowed to make a signing, Gary Gardner`s arrival from Aston Villa briefly lifting the rapidly deflating spirits of Sky Blues` supporters.

Gardner scored on his debut but didn't taste victory in his short time at the club. Just as all seemed lost however City made it a happy Christmas with wins against Bristol City and Brighton to end a tough year on a rare high note.

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