Coventry supporters have been offered a glimmer of hope that the midlands club could return to the Ricoh Arena.
Supporters' group the Sky Blue Trust has held separate talks in the last 10 days with both stadium management company Arena Coventry Limited (ACL) and the Sky Bet League One outfit in an attempt to encourage new discussions between the warring parties.
City have been embroiled in a lengthy and bitter rent row with ACL which ultimately saw them leave the Ricoh over the summer and agree a three-year groundshare 34 miles away at Northampton's Sixfields Stadium while their proposed new stadium is built.
The move has proved deeply unpopular with Coventry fans, resulting in average attendances of around 2,000 for 'home' matches this season compared to 11,000 last term at the Ricoh, which now stands unused as a football venue.
But there could be fresh hope of a potential resolution for all those who would like to see Coventry back in their home city, which includes the Football League.
A statement from the Sky Blue Trust read: "ACL indicated to the Trust that they would be willing to discuss with the owners of CCFC the potential for a new rental deal at the stadium.
"Our understanding is that ACL would react positively to a business proposal from Otium Entertainment Group to discuss CCFC returning to the Ricoh Arena under such an arrangement.
"ACL indicated that they wished to put past disagreements behind them, draw a line in the sand and enter any discussions without prejudice or preconceptions.
"Whilst at this stage it is nothing more than an offer of discussions it is we believe a step in the right direction.
"We communicated the ACL response to (Coventry chief executive) Tim Fisher who has assured us that he will consult with the club's owners as to where they can take it from here.
Source: PA
