City take a peek through the window

In the classic 80's film Trading Places, Dan Akroyd, having been reduced to a shambling wreck by his bosses' experiment with his job and lifestyle, is left to peer forlornly through a restaurant window as Eddie Murphy enjoys the high life that was supposed to be his.

It's an image that comes to mind when looking at Saturday's game between Southampton and Coventry City as the Sky Blues get a glimpse at what might have been.

St Mary's, a stadium of similar age and size to the Ricoh Arena, will be full to the rafters as a vibrant, attacking Saints team aim to complete their remarkable rise from administration and the drop into League One by securing a place in the Premier League at the first time of asking.

'attitude'

The comparison with City's current plight is made all the more poignant by the fact that SISU were keen to invest in Southampton in 2007 before they did a deal in CV6. From the outside the South Coast club look to have a go-ahead attitude on the pitch, on the sidelines and in the boardroom that is set to be rewarded with the riches of the top-flight.

Coventry simply don't have that with the current pronouncements coming out of the club highlighting once again the gap in the chain of command that means those doing the day-to-day running of the business are divorced from the owners.

Few would begrudge Saints their promotion. Their 4-2 win at the Ricoh Arena in November was an excellent display with positive intent displayed throughout. Going further back they were often battling alongside the Sky Blues in the lower reaches of the Premier League, The Dell being the scene of some great late escapes.

Ordinarily the game could be seen as an example of something to aim for, what could be for Coventry City. Never has it looked so far away however as it will do on Saturday lunchtime.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.