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Reduced Admission for Saturday's Biddulph Game

Coventry Sphinx are offering reduced admission for their penultimate home game of the season on Saturday 19^th April kick off 3.00pm.

Biddulph Victoria are the visitors to Sphinx Drive and the club are offering the chance for adults to gain entry for only £1 whilst all children will be admitted for free if accompanied by an adult.

Coventry Sphinx are keen to thank those supporters who turned out in great numbers during our fantastic FA Vase run and throughout the season whilst also inviting new spectators to come and support the side as the season draws to a close.

The reduced admission is open to all those attending.

Big Ron Coming to Sphinx - Tickets Selling Fast

Saturday 26th April sees former Coventry City manager Ron Atkinson the guest speaker at our Sporting Dinner

Tickets are selling fast with over 70% of the available tickets sold already.

Joining Ron will be comedian Mal Rich and the ticket price of £27.50 includes a 3 course meal.

Tables of 8 are still available as well as individual tickets and with only 2 weeks to go and organisers are expecting a rush for tickets.

For more information or to book your place call Richard Hopkins on 07980 804269 or Neil Long on 07973 371942

This function is being supported by Coors, Mortgage 4Review, Windsor Garage & Protech Sports

New Club Sponsor Announced

Programme Wins Award

Coventry Sphinx' Match day programme, Sphinx Review, has scooped the Midland Alliance 'Programme of the Year' Award from Midlands Non League Football Website.

Following on from winning the Midland Combination's Programme of the Year Award for the past two seasons this new award is excellent recognition for the production team who contribute to each edition and to sponsors Rayfount Digital who are now in their fifth season of printing the programme.

Coventry Sphinx Football Club would like to thank all those who continue to contribute to such a high standard and to Rayfount Digital for their continued support.

For the full results Click Here

Shaun Thomas Injury Update - 12 Months On

Coventry Sphinx defender Shaun Thomas is facing a further 12 months on the sidelines following an operation to repair his damaged knee. Almost a year to the day since the horror injury occurred during a home league game with Pershore Town, Shaun underwent surgery 3 weeks ago.

In a complex operation performed at Rugby's St Cross Hospital, Orthopaedic Surgeon Pete Thompson rebuilt Shaun's posterior and anterior cruciate ligaments using grafts from Shaun's own hamstrings.

Shaun will be in a leg brace for few months and will be partial weight bearing after 4 weeks and full weight bearing with the help of crutches after 8 weeks.

It is still hoped that Shaun will be able to resume playing football at this level in 12 months time and all at Coventry Sphinx are routing for him to be back in the sky blue & white in the not too distant future.

Further news on the injury front has seen midfielder Adrian Fisher ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a chipped bone sustained in last weeks 3-1 home defeat to Barwell. Tom Bates is seeking further treatment on his injured ankle, James Holmes is doubtful for the remainder of the season due to his ongoing groin strain and Kyle Rhodes is suffering with a groin strain also. It is hoped that all we make full recoveries and be fit either before the end of the season or for the start of pre season training.

Still All To Play For

Coventry Sphinx' 3 senior sides are all still battling it out to win silverware in their respective competitions as the season enters the final stages over the coming weeks.

Paul Charnley and his first team squad kept their Polymac Services League Cup semi final alive battling back from 2-0 down after 15 minutes to earn a creditable 2-2 draw in Wednesday nights 1st leg at Sphinx Drive. Casey Gaggini (pen) and Rob Stevenson providing the goals.

Meanwhile at Coleshill Town, Lee Knibbs and his reserve team squad were earning a 1-1 draw in the 1st leg of the Midland Combination Challenge Bowl also coming from a goal behind, Robbie Scott scoring with a 25 yard strike. Four days earlier Knibbs and his team earned a 2-2 draw in the 1st leg of the Midland Combination Challenge Trophy at home to Coleshill Town. Having gained a 2-0 advantage through Luke Hopkins and Jamie McAteer, Coleshill drew level midway through the second half to leave both semi finals evenly poised.

On Thursday evening John Woodward's youth team took over top spot from Bedworth United in the Midland Floodlit Youth League Eastern Division following a 2-1 home win over Racing Club Warwick. Gary Mead and Michael Wallace scored the all important goals. With only 3 games to go, all away from home, there is still all to play for for Woodward and his young team.

For the latest updated fixtures for the remainder of the season Click Here

Thanks for the Support

The committee of Coventry Sphinx would like to thank all those spectators who turned out to support the team in this seasons fantastic FA Vase run. The 774 who witnessed Saturday's quarter final replay were part of the largest recorded attendance at Sphinx Drive and the committee would like to thank all those who attended.

We would also like to thank our sponsors and those companies who have embraced the club over recent months, especially, Windsor Garage, Touch FM, Broadway Consolidated, The Aston Court Hotel and our new club sponsors Mortgage4Review. As well as match Sponsors The Premier Group and Sphinx Industrial Supplies Ltd.

The local media must also be congratulated for their support during the past few months, BBC Coventry & Warwickshire, The Coventry Telegraph, Coventry Times and Touch FM.

Our gratitude must also go to the local football community for all the messages of support and especially Joe Elliott of Coventry City Football Club for his help in printing the tickets and also Graham Wilson of Nuneaton Borough Football Club for providing their stewards.

But most importantly our thanks go to the management and players for their efforts and the amazing character and commitment they have shown this season so far. With a league cup semi final to look forward to there is still every chance of silverware in our first season in the Midland Alliance.

Wembley Dreams Over after Kirkham Defeat

Coventry Sphinx Wembley dream is over after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Kirkham & Wesham on Saturday.

The all important goal was scored just after the restart by Kirkham top scorer Sean Patterson and despite two large appeals for penalties in the second half Sphinx could not find an equaliser and having reached the Quarter Finals for the first time in the clubs history all at the club are very proud of the achievement.

Amateur photographer Andy Nunn was a spectator at the game and he has sent the following link to see his photo's Andy Nunn Photo's

FA Vase Replay - Ticket Information

Following Saturday's thrilling 3-3 draw at Kirkham & Wesham the two sides will do it all again this coming Saturday at Sphinx Drive. Work is now in full swing to get Sphinx Drive ready for the anticipated large crowd who will want to watch this thrilling tie.

Tickets go on sale from Tuesday and are available from the Sphinx Club between 10am - 4pm and between 7pm - 9pm until Friday.

Admission is £6 Adults and £3 Concessions.

Tickets can be pre-booked and paid for on arrival by calling the Ticket Line on 07910 852817 between the hours as detailed above.

Supporters are urged to purchase tickets before the day to avoid congestion and to also ensure they do not miss out on securing their place at Sphinx Drive.

Car parking is going to be at a premium so Coventry Sphinx would like to urge people to car share or park off site. We are trying to secure a car park nearby and will advise as and when this becomes available.

Westfields Game Goes Ahead Wednesday

Coventry Sphinx home Midland Alliance league game will go ahead as scheduled on Wednesday. It had been hoped that the game could be rescheduled but this is not possible due to both ours, and Westfield's already backlogged fixture schedule.

Please note that this game will kick off at 8pm and tickets will be on sale for Saturday's FA Vase Replay during the game.

Important Ticket Information - FA Vase Tie at Kirkham & Wesham

Coventry Sphinx have been advised by Kirkham & Wesham that tickets are selling fast for next Saturday's FA Carlsberg Vase Quarter Final tie. The capacity at Kellamergh Park is 1100 and Kirkham officials are expecting a bumper crowd.

Therefore we will be receiving 200 tickets which will go on sale from Tuesday 25th February. More will be made available if required.

To facilitate the expected demand for tickets all those people who have already provisionally booked their place on the official coaches are asked to make full payment in advance.

The Social Club will be open on Tuesday and Thursday evening between 7pm and 8pm for supporters to purchase tickets.

Coaches will leave the Sphinx Club at 10am on the day of the game.

All those supporters planning to make their own way to Kirkham are advised to purchase a ticket in advance to avoid any congestion on the day.

For further information please call 07973 371942

Team of the Round Presentation

Coventry Sphinx Manager Paul Charnley and his coaching team were presented with the FA's 'Team of the Round' Award prior to Saturday's 5th round win over Stanway Rovers.

Manager Paul Charnley is seen receiving the award from FA Representative John Little for his sides 2-1 home win over Salford City in the 4th round.

Away tie at Kirkham & Wisham in FA Vase Quarter Final

Coventry Sphinx have been drawn away to North West Counties Division Two side Kirkham & Wesham in the quarter final draw for the FA Carlsberg Vase.

The tie will take place on Saturday 1st March.

Coach details and arrangements will appear here this week.

Players & Management Thank You

The Players and Management of Coventry Sphinx Football Club would like to thank all those supporters who travelled the long journey down to Stanway to cheer us to victory in the FA Vase on Saturday. To see so many of you there to support us as we ran out was a real boost and your vocal support and non stop encouragement was a huge boost to all of us and ensured we kept going and got the result that your support deserved.

Coventry Sphinx would also like to thank all those who emailed, text or sent letters of support ahead of the game and since the great result on Saturday It was a great boost to everyone to receive good wishes from our friends at other clubs in the Midland Alliance and Midland Combination as well as Salford City.

Your support is very much appreciated, thanks to you all.

Stanway Rovers FA Vase Picture Special

Coventry Sphinx are through to the quarter finals of the FA Carlsberg Vase after beating Stanway Rovers 3-1 on Saturday. Photographer Mick Evans was with the squad for the journey down to Essex and with them at the West Ham Training ground ahead of the game and this is just a small selection of photo's taken.

More will follow...

Players to use West Ham Training Ground Ahead of Vase Tie

The Coventry Sphinx squad will be doing a light training session on Saturday morning at West Ham United's Chadwell Heath Training ground ahead of their FA Carlsberg Vase 5th Round Tie at Stanway Rovers. Alan Curbishley (Seen here with manager Paul Charnley at Sphinx Drive) and his Premiership players used the Sphinx Drive facilities ahead of their Carling Cup tie at the Ricoh Arena earlier in the season and the London based club have offered the use of their training facilities to help in our preparations.

With the players and management travelling down on Friday evening to avoid a lengthy coach journey on the day if the game the Sphinx management are doing everything possible to ensure the players are prepared thoroughly ahead of the tie at Stanway.

The clubs sincere thanks go out to local businesses Windsor Garage, BMS Ltd, HIA International  and the Cassidy Group for assisting in sponsoring the overnight accommodation in Essex.

BBC Midlands Today to Feature Sphinx Preparations

BBC Midlands Today will be showing a feature on the club's preparations ahead of their FA Vase 5th Round tie at Stanway Rovers on Saturday.

The production team spent 5 hours with manager Paul Charnley at his place of work and also with Chief Executive Dannie Cahill at Sphinx Drive.

The feature will be shown on Thursday between 6.30pm and 7.00pm on BBC One Midlands.

Manager Paul Charnley will also be live on BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on Thursday morning at 11am.

FA Vase 'Team of the Round' Award

Coventry Sphinx have been awarded the FA's Team of the Round for our 4th Round win at home to Salford City. The team will be presented with a commemorative plaque prior to the 5th round tie at Stanway Rovers next week and will also receive 20 complimentary tickets for the final at Wembley on 11th May. FA Vase Sponsors Carlsberg will also send 4 cases of Carlsberg beer as well.

Congratulations to all of the players, management, committee and supporters for achieving this award.

FA Vase Travel Arrangements - Get Booked Early

Coventry Sphinx' 5th Round FA Carslberg Vase tie at Stanway Rovers next Saturday has already generated great interest from local supporters, media and businesses alike.

It would be great to see a large Sphinx following in Essex next week to cheer the boys closer to Wembley and to help the club have arranged for the following travel arrangements.

Coaches will depart Sphinx Drive at 10am and will be returning at the end of the game

We have kept the price down to encourage as many families to attend as possible.

Adults £15 return including match admission

Concessions: £10 return including match admission

To book your place please call either Nigel Starkey 07875 556029 or Neil Buswell 024 7644 0784.

Payment is required up front in full and the cut off will be Thursday evening.

Sphinx into last 16 of FA Carlsberg Vase

Coventry Sphinx have made club history by making it through to the fifth round proper of the FA Vase for the first time ever.

Saturday's 3-1 home win over Salford City has secured a fifth round tie away at Stanway Rovers in Colchester on Saturday 9th February.

Despite being under considerable pressure in the early stages, goals from Tom Maguire, James Holmes and Chris Harris gave Sphinx the advantage over their northern opponents to spark fantastic celebrations at the final whistle.

Further details on the next round tie at Stanway will appear here as soon as we have them.

Broadway Consolidated Plc Boost Sphinx Ahead of Vase Tie

FA Vase Tie Re-arranged for this coming Saturday

Coventry Sphinx postponed 4th Round FA Carlsberg Vase tie will now take place this coming Saturday (26th). Despite the efforts of ground staff and committee members working on the saturated Sphinx Drive pitch from 7am on Saturday morning surface water was still causing a problem and with further rain forecast for later the decision was taken by the local FA appointed referee that the game should be postponed.

10 FA Vase 4th Round ties did take place and the draw for the 5th Round Proper took place at Soho Square earlier today. Coventry Sphinx or Salford City will travel to either Stanway Rovers or Formby. The full draw can be seen by Clicking Here

Touch FM Latest to Sign Up With Sphinx

Local commercial radio station Touch FM are the latest organisation to take sponsorship out with Coventry Sphinx Football Club in this our debut season in the Midland Alliance.

Touch FM have taken perimeter advertising and also a half page programme advertisement and will be sending their promotions team to this Saturday's FA Vase tie against Salford City.

You can here all the latest news from Sphinx Drive by tuning into 96.2FM Touch FM.

Home Tie in League Cup Quarter Finals

Coventry Sphinx have been drawn at home to Boldmere St Michaels in the Quarter Finals of the Midland Alliance League Cup. The tie will be played on Wednesday 20th February with a 7.45pm kick off.

The full draw is;

Stratford Town v Shifnal Town

Studley v Coalville Town

Oadby Town v Alvechurch

Coventry Sphinx v Boldmere St Michaels

Ties to be played 19th/20th February

Coventry Sphinx & Salford City - The FA Vase Story So Far

Coventry Sphinx and Salford City battle it our this Saturday for a place in the last 16 of the FA Carlsberg Vase. Here we take a look at both teams and their FA Vase run so far this season.

BBC Coventry & Warwickshire Backing Sphinx FA Vase Bid

BBC Coventry & Warwickshire are backing Paul Charnley and his player's bid to reach the last 16 of the FA Carlsberg Vase.

This week will see coverage in the build up to the game with Club Chief Executive Dannie Cahill & Vice Chairman Neil Long guests on the Jane Vickers Drive Time Show on Tuesday evening and Manager Paul Charnley and Captain David Drennan guests on the Friday evening Sports programme with Clive Eakin from 7pm.

Malcolm Boyden will also be covering the preparations at Sphinx Drive on Saturday morning between 9am and 12noon and with regular updates throughout the 90 minutes from 3pm you can be sure the tie will be getting maximum exposure in the local media.

For up to date information from Sphinx Drive tune into 94.8FM BBC Coventry & Warwickshire

Protech Sport to Sponsor FA Vase Match Ball

Home Draw in FA Carlsberg Vase Fourth Round Proper

Coventry Sphinx will host North West Counties side Salford City in the Fourth Round Proper of the FA Carlsberg Vase on Saturday 19th January 3.00pm.

For the full draw Click Here

For SkyBet odds Click Here

Sphinx Drive Selected for FA National Systems Game

Coventry Sphinx' home ground of Sphinx Drive has been selected by the Midland Football Combination as their venue for the upcoming FA National League System Cup Second Round tie versus Hertfordshire Senior County League.

The game will take place on Saturday 1st December with a 3.00pm kick off.

This is great news for Coventry Sphinx and shows that investing in the facilities during the summer has proved beneficial not only to our own teams but this has also been recognised by others including the Midland Combination and also Premiership side West Ham United who trained at the ground ahead of their Carling Cup tie at the Ricoh Arena a fortnight ago.

It is hoped that further 'one off' games will be attracted to Sphinx Drive in the coming months.

For more information on the NLS Cup Click Here

FA Vase Second Round Proper

Coventry Sphinx turn their attentions away from league action tomorrow when they travel to Bewdley Town in the FA Carlsberg Vase Second Round Proper. Sphinx have reached this round of the competition twice before at Stone Dominoes and Malvern Town and on both occasions have missed out on the opportunity to progress further. Paul Charnley's side will be hoping it is third time lucky this time around.

Bewdley Town on the other hand are in the FA Vase for the very first time and are yet to concede a goal in the competition. Like ourselves, Bewdley received a bye at the First Qualifying Round stage but have hit 10 goals with no reply in their two games so far. Here are the results so far for both teams;

Coventry Sphinx FA Vase Results 2007/08

Second Qualifying Round - Heather St Johns (a) W 3-0

First Round Proper - Glossop North End (h) W 4-3

Bewdley Town FA Vase Results 2007/08

Second Qualifying Round - Pelsall Villa (h) W 7-0

First Round Proper - Pilkington XXX (a) W 3-0

Should the game end in a draw after 90 minutes then extra time will be played. If the scores are still level then a replay will take place on Wednesday evening at Sphinx Drive 7.45pm.

Boss Charnley on BBC C&W Friday from 7.30pm

Manager Paul Charnley will be a guest on BBC Coventry & Warwickshire's SportsTalk programme this Friday evening.

Paul will be talking to non league presenters Dave Draper and Dave Sharpe from 7.30pm and looking forward to Saturday's FA Carlsberg Vase second round tie at Bewdley Town whilst also talking about his thoughts on the season so far.

You can listen by tuning into the 94.8FM from 7.30pm on Friday

You can also read BBC Coventry & Warwickshire's Geoff Foster's column in the Sphinx Matchday Programme each and every first team home game.

Reserves Win in Cup Thriller

Coventry Sphinx reserves won through to the second round of the Challenge Trophy last night with a 4-2 win at home to Gresley Rovers. Trailing 2-0 at half time, somewhat against the run of play, Lee Knibbs' side rallied to score four second half goals in a slick and impressive performance.

The Sphinx goal scorers were Carl Winterbottom, Callum Woodward, Tom Maguire and James Halton.

Reserves & Youth Take centre Stage

With no midweek fixture for the first team this week, tonight sees the reserve team take centre stage in the first round of the Midland Combination Challenge Trophy at home to Gresley Rovers (7.45pm)

The two sides met on the opening day of the season and a twelve goal thriller saw Gresley come out on top in a 7-5 victory.

Lee Knibbs' young side will be hoping to avoid a similar scoreline and are strengthened by the inclusion of Carl Winterbottom who continues his comeback after a car accident whilst David Drennan and Callum Woodward are also added to the squad which beat Rothwell Town on Saturday, both are looking to gain match fitness prior to Saturday's important trip to Bewdley Town in the FA Vase.

Kick off is at 7.45pm and extra time and penalties will be played if required. Admission is £2.50 for adults and £1.00 for concessions.

On Thursday it is the turn of John Woodward's youth team who take on local rivals Bedworth United in the Midland Floodlit League Cup here at Sphinx Drive at 7.45pm. Admission is £2.00 adults and £1.00 for concessions.

Sky Sports Coverage - More News

Coventry Sphinx will be featured on Sky Sports Carling Cup Football programme on Sky Sports between 6.00pm and 7.00pm on Thursday evening. Two camera crews from Sky Sports, with Presenter Steve Lee, spent the afternoon with members of the Sphinx management team and Sky Blues legend Cyril Regis. They were filming as part of Carling's sponsorship of the Carling Cup.

The programme will go out on Sky Sports 1 on Thursday evening from 6.00pm.

Below are a few photo's of the filming at Sphinx Drive.

West Ham Train at Sphinx Drive ahead of Carling Cup Tie

Coventry Sphinx Football Club's home ground of Sphinx Drive was selected by West Ham United to be their training base ahead of the Carling Cup tie at the Ricoh Arena last night. Manager Alan Curbishley put his Premiership players, which included Lee Bowyer, Anton Ferdinand and Carlton Cole, through their paces.

Coventry Sphinx manager Paul Charnley was given exclusive access to Curbishley and his squad as he witnessed their light training session on Tuesday morning.

Charnley commented, "It's all a bit surreal really, to have a Premiership side training here at Sphinx Drive is fantastic. It shows how far this club has come with regards profile and facilities and everyone involved with the club should be immensley proud"

West Ham manager Alan Curbishley was equally delighted with the facilities, "The condition of the pitch is superb and we're very grateful to Coventry Sphinx for allowing us to use their ground"

Managers Charnley and Curbishley chatted for a few minutes and are pictured above.

Jack Pearson to Play against Sky Blue Reserves tonight

Former Coventry Sphinx defender Jack Pearson is due to play this evening when Nottingham Forest Reserves play Coventry City Reserves at Nuneaton Borough's Liberty Way stadium (7.00pm)

Pearson was part of last season's successful Sphinx youth team who played Forest in the first round proper of the FA Youth Cup and was rewarded when Forest signed him on an 18 month deal at the turn of the year.

Sky Sports to Film at Sphinx Drive & Ricoh Arena

Coventry Sphinx have been chosen to be featured on Sky Sports Carling Cup coverage this week. Manager Paul Charnley along with five other representatives will be interviewed at the Sphinx Club before being whisked to the Ricoh Arena where they will watch the Sky Blues v West Ham in the Carling Cup. They will be filmed before, during and after the match.

Exact details are unknown as to the format but Sky Blues 1987 FA Cup winner Cyril Regis will be accompanying the Sphinx group to the Ricoh with the footage going out on Sky Sports later this week.

More news will follow as it becomes available.

Sphinx v England Qualifier Special Offer

Due to the England v Estonia game kicking off at 3.00pm tomorrow afternoon and having failed with trying to move our kick off versus Oldbury United which also kicks off at 3.00pm we will be offering admission at last season's admission prices of £4 and £2 for tomorrow only. This is to try and encourage people to support the first team in their quest for 3 more Midland Alliance league points whilst also offering the England game on the Big Screen in the bar at the same time.

Why not combine both and watch the first half of Sphinx v Oldbury and then at halftime take in the second period of the England v Estonia qualifier.

The new screen and projector have been permanently installed in the club house which will enable all the major sporting events to be viewed.

Lights Go Out but Youth Team Still Win

Sphinx Drive was hit by floodlight failure last night only 4 minutes into the Midland Floodlit Youth game against Rugby Town. With the scores level at 0-0 the game was held up for nearly 40 minutes whilst the source of the problem was investigated. It appears that a localised power cut in the Stoke area was the reason and this left the club house and surrounding ground in darkness. Six lamps remained on which prevented the football pitch from being plunged into total darkness and within 40 minutes all of the floodlights were back up and the clubhouse power fully restored.

Coventry Sphinx would like to thanks the players, management, officials and spectators from both clubs for their patience until full power was restored.

When play resumed, John Woodward's side took a half time 2-0 lead through Michael Wallace and Declan Price. Rugby levelled midway through the second period only for Gianni Dainty to score an excellent goal to seal the win.

Midfielder Dion Barrett missed the game through injury but all at Coventry Sphinx would like to congratulate Dion on his call up to the BCFA Youth Team and the West Midlands School select side.

Birmingham Senior Cup Debut this Evening

Coventry Sphinx embark on a another new chapter in our history this evening when we take part in the Birmingham Senior Cup for the first ever time at Racing Club Warwick 7.45pm.

The Birmingham Senior Cup could potentially lead to a glamorous home tie for a non league club against one of the Midlands Premiership and Championship sides who use the competition for their reserve or youth teams.

Coventry City are the current holders of the cup having beaten Walsall 3-2 after extra time last May.

For the complete First Round Draw Click Here

FA Carlsberg Vase - Second Round Draw

Coventry Sphinx will travel to Bewdley Town in the Second Round Proper of the FA Carlsberg Vase. The tie will be played on Saturday 17th November. Bewdley Town are members of the West Midlands Premier League and are based near Kidderminster. Further fixture details and travel arrangements will appear here soon.

For the full draw Click Here

Club Apology - FA Vase Programme

Coventry Sphinx Football Club would like to apologise to those people who wished to purchase Saturday's FA Carlsberg Vase edition of our award winning match day programme. This was due to technical problems experienced by our printers and totally out of our control. The club would like to place on record it's sincerest thanks to our printers Rayfount who attempted everything possible in order to try and get the problems resolved right up until 2.30pm on Saturday. This is the first time that we have been unable to provide a match day programme in the four years that our sponsorship with Rayfount has been established. Copies of the programme will be available later this week and mailed to those spectators who paid for a copy on Saturday. A team sheet was published on the day and provided free of charge to spectators.

The club would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused and are confident that normal service will resume in time for Saturday's Midland Alliance league game at home to Oldbury United.

FA Carlsberg Vase 1st Round Proper

Coventry Sphinx will this Saturday be aiming to get to the second round proper of the FA Vase for the third time in our short FA Vase history when Glossop North End visit Sphinx Drive. Last Saturday's 3-0 win at Heather St Johns was the first game that Sphinx have won in the competition since the 4-0 replay win over Ludlow Town at this stage in November 2004.

Saturday's 3-1 away win at Biddulph Victoria has lifted Sphinx to 6th place in the Midland Alliance whilst Glossop travelled to Squires Gate in Blackpool at the weekend and were beaten 2-1. They are currently in 16th place in the North West Counties Division One league.

The game kicks off at 3.00pm on Saturday and admission is £5 adults and £2.50 concessions.

Tune into BBC Coventry & Warwickshire 94.8FM all this week to hear updates from Sphinx Drive. Manager Paul Charnley will be live on BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on Friday evening between 7.30pm and 8pm when he will be the guest of Dave Draper and Dave Sharpe ahead of Saturday's big game.

Club Statement

The committee of Coventry Sphinx have announced that Halmarc Security have pulled out of the proposed 3 year sponsorship deal. The article below was published in the Coventry Telegraph on Thursday 13th September.

Coventry Sphinx have been left without a major sponsor after backers Halmarc Security pulled out with the campaign less than a fortnight old.

Having achieved the highest level in the club's history by being promoted to the Midland Alliance this season, Sphinx have been left high and dry by the withdrawal.
Vice chairman Neil Long said: "We would like to thank Halmarc for their help and support. Without their input we would not have succeeded as we have over the past two years. Unfortunately, through a change in circumstances it has become increasingly clear that Halmarc are unable to continue their backing. Therefore we are looking for new businesses to help keep Coventry Sphinx progressing, ensuring long term stability for the club."

He continued: "Members of the committee have continued to plug the financial gaps while there has been tentative enquiries from local companies indicating they would speak with the club further about sponsorship."

Long insists Sphinx are an attractive prospect for any would-be sponsor. "We have 19 teams proudly wearing the sky blue and white of Coventry Sphinx. We are now the city's second top club and can offer youngsters a better level of football as they progress through the ranks and eventually play for our first team in a semi-professional set up," said Long. "We have just tasted FA Cup football for the first time and want more of that while we're always looking to improve our standards and facilities in order to progress. Any companies getting involved can expect instant profile for their business and can also play a huge part in helping grassroots football and non league football develop further in Coventry."

Interested parties should contact Long on 07973 371942.

First Team looking to get back to winning ways

Coventry Sphinx first team will be looking to get back to winning ways following two away defeats when they entertain Rocester on Saturday 3.00pm.

Four defeats from our opening six games sees us in 15th place in the Midland Alliance but with two home games back to back manager Paul Charnley is confident that his side can get back on track following their disappointing performances against Stapenhill and Studley, "We need some luck. These two games at home will hopefully give us a bit of a lift as we are in familiar surroundings and the pitch looks excellent. I'm certain that the players will turn things around we will be working hard to make sure we can get back to winning games. It's been a tough week but we know what we can do and I've been reminding the players of that"

Charnley is away for the weekend on a short break with his family which leaves Assistant Manager Lynton Wilkinson and First Team Coach Martin Smith in charge of team affairs where it is expected that two new signings will be on show, Charnley said, "We've got two new players who trained with us on Thursday and I'm hopeful that the paperwork will go through in time so that both can play on Saturday. We just need freshening up a little and I'm sure the two signings will give everyone a lift"

The England v Israel game will be on the big screen in the club house at the final whistle also.

Tony Allden Cup Final Date Announced

The final of the Tony Allden Memorial Cup will take place at Sphinx Drive on Wednesday 6th November with a 7.30pm kick off.

This cup is competed for annually by the  Midland Combination Champions and Challenge Cup Winners.

This year will see the Coventry Derby take centre stage as our old rivals Coventry Copsewood will be the visitors following their excellent victory against Pilkington XXX in last years Challenge Cup final.

Further information about the Tony Allden Memorial Cup will appear in the build up to this game.

Sphinx Drive to Host Stratford Town FA Youth Cup Fixtures

Stratford Town will be playing their FA Youth Cup fixtures at Sphinx Drive this season. Currently ground sharing with Massey Ferguson for league games whilst their Knights Lane development takes shape it was discovered that Massey's do not have the relevant ground grading for the FA Youth Cup.

Stratford Director of Football Lenny Darby contacted Sphinx officials a fortnight ago and with the FA's permission we have kindly agreed to help Stratford with this arrangement.

The first game takes place on Thursday 13th September 7.45pm when Stratford entertain Stafford Rangers in the Preliminary Round tie.

Sphinx Vice Chairman Neil Long commented, "It is important that clubs look out for each other where possible at this level and we are delighted that we are able to help. It is further testament to the work that has been undertaken over the last 12 months to improve Sphinx Drive that Stratford Town have chosen us as their preferred choice to host games in such a prestigious competition"

Sphinx Youth team travel to Stone Dominoes the night before (Wednesday 12th) as they look to match last season's achievments when they played Nottingham Forest here in the first round proper.

Garnish Catering Come On Board

Coventry Sphinx are delighted that Garnish Catering will be providing our spectators with a high quality selection of hot and cold food at every first team home fixture this season starting with the FA Cup replay with Teversal on Wednesday evening.

This is a requirement of the Midland Alliance and the FA and will enhance the surroundings for our spectators on match days.

A full menu will be on display from Wednesday evening but hotdogs, burgers, tea and coffee will be on sale at reasonable prices.

For more information on Garnish Catering visit their website www.garnishcatering.co.uk

Ground Taking Shape ahead of First Home Game

Sphinx Drive is now beginning to take shape following the summer ahead of Wednesday's first home game of the season at home to Oadby Town 7.45pm, subject to an FA Cup replay with Teversal.

The pitch is in a fantastic condition and has been marked out for the first time by Groundsman Paul Wright whilst the floodlights are being erected over the weekend. The home dugout has been moved and is now completed and the PA system upgraded.

With the changing rooms completed, Sphinx Drive is now looking ready to host Midland Alliance and FA Cup football to the required grading set out by the FA.

This season will see the ground only be open to spectators on three sides as instructed by the FA. This will mean that all spectators will have to watch from behind either goal or from the stand/dugout side of the ground.

The Willie Knibbs Memorial stand will also be a no smoking area to bring it in line with current legislation. A full set ground regulations for the current season will be published in the matchday programme.

Assistant Manager on BBC Coventry & Warwickshire Saturday Morning

Coventry Sphinx First Team Assistant Manager Lynton Wilkinson will be looking ahead to the FA Cup, sponsored by E.ON, Extra Preliminary round tie at Teversal on Saturday morning.

Lynton will be speaking with popular presenter Malcolm Boyden (Pictured left) between 10-10.30am about all things Sphinx and especially the prospect of Coventry Sphinx playing in the FA Cup for the first time in the clubs history.

BBC C&W presenter Boyden gives his comical outlook on life each and every Saturday morning and can often be heard to say 'Up the Sphinx' or predicting the outcome of the days games with his 'Magic Flute'.

Sports presenter Geoff Foster will also be in the studio and it is sure to be a hilarious half an hour of fun and games when Lynton joins in on the act.

To listen make sure you tune in to 94.8FM where you can hear regular updates on local and non league football and especially Coventry Sphinx throughout the week.

Tune in on Friday evening between 7.20pm and 8.00pm (Sky Blue Interactive) to also hear an extended interview with manager Paul Charnley and Geoff Foster recorded after Wednesday's game at Stratford Town.

FA Cup Countdown Begins

Coventry Sphinx enter the FA Cup for the first time this coming Saturday when the team travel to play Teversal in Nottinghamshire in the Extra Preliminary Round, in what is the clubs most prestigious game in our 61 year history.

The players, committee and spectators will be travelling by coach which will be leaving the ground at 12noon. Any supporter wishing to attend can call 07973 371942 to reserve a place. (Strictly first come first served) Seats are £5 return.

For more information Click Here for the full set of fixtures for this Saturday's FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round ties.

Full Season Fixture List Now Available

The Midland Alliance fixture list has now been published for the upcoming season which kicks off on Saturday at Market Drayton Town.

Games to watch out for are;

Wednesday 15th August away at Stratford Town

Bank Holiday Monday 27th August at home to Racing Club Warwick

Boxing Day 26th December at home to Atherstone Town

New Years Day 1st January away at Racing Club Warwick

Saturday 1st March at home to Stratford Town

Easter Monday 24th March away at Atherstone Town

To see the full Coventry Sphinx Fixture list Click Here

Pre-season Results & Fixtures Completed

Coventry Sphinx first team completed their pre-season campaign with a 7-3 defeat at Rothwell Town. The team will now be training this week ahead of next Saturday's opening Midland Alliance fixture at Market Drayton Town.

The pre-season results and remaining fixtures will appear here temporarily whilst the website is being revamped for the new season.