About Coventry Saints FC
Coventry Saints is the representation of local church community of 'Neighbours and Nations' in the local Coventry and District Church Football League, Division 1.
Coventry Saints was founded on the basis that football is a great team sport, to be enjoyed together. We have been fortunate to experience some decent success during the past two seasons, but a far greater achievement has been the friendships and fun we’ve enjoyed together throughout. Long may it continue!
HISTORY
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The United Saints of Coventry (as initally known as), was formed in 2004 by Neal Saunders. They competed for four seasons in the Coventry and District Church Football League 2 until 2007/08 when, under the new name of Coventry Saints, they won the league with the phenomenal record of played 14, won 12, drew 1, lost 1, scoring 59 goals and only conceding 15; finishing with 37 points. The season was crowned with the league top goalscorer trophy going to Rich Wilkinson, and the annual league 7-a-side tournament title too. Player of the Season was awarded to Michael Sullivan, with Player's Player of the Season going to Lee Peasland, and top goalscorer to Rich Wilkinson.
The 2008/09 season saw the Saints compete in the C&DCFL Division 1 for the first time, under new management, with Rich Houghton taking over from Neal Saunders, who left at the top with the Division 2 title. A blistering start to the season, with 4 wins from 4, propelled the Saints to second place, but a drop in form saw them slip down the league, coinciding with being knocked out of the National Christian Trophy (in their first season, by Derby City Church) and the League Cup (on penalties in the Quarter Final). However, a sparkling return to form in the second half of the season saw a climb back up the table to finish second within a point of the league and cup double winners, ARYPT. The undoubted highlight being a 6-0 thrashing of the champions at home in the league. The season was crowned with the Fair Play Award for Divison 1. Player of the Season was awarded to Tom Martin, with Player's Player of the Season and Top Goalscorer going to Rich Houghton.
2009/10 was a season of consolidation (!?!). A final league position of 6th was a comfortable mid-table finish in the end, but a lack of goals almost meant relegation to Division 2. However, a solid defence (the best in the league, just 25 conceded in 16 games) and a good run at the end of season (only losing 1 of the last 5) meant Division 1 football again in 2010-11. Player of the season went to centreback John Barnes, Player's Player to goalkeeper to Chris Dumbleton and the top golascorer trophy was shared between Tom Martin and Rich Houghton (5 each). Next season's aim: to score more goals to build on the solid foundation that is the defence... watch this space!