Jim's column 19.8.23

A major shock in the summer was the death, at the age of 45, of former Coventry striker Cedric Roussel in his homeland Belgium. Cedric was one of numerous European players scouted by Ray Clarke in the 1990s and joined on a seasons long from KAA Gent in 1999. After substitute appearances against Newcastle (home) and Sheffield Wednesday (away) he was given his first start by Gordon Strachan in a home game with Watford and made a good impression in a 4-0 victory, playing alongside Robbie Keane. In his second start, at home to Aston Villa, he achieved legenndary status by heading a goal after eight minutes and having a hand in Keane's winner. A tall, solid striker who was good in the air, Cedric was a popular player at the club in a golden season that earned the team the sobriquet 'The Entertainers' for their dazzling displays on Sky TV that campaign. In January 2000 Coventry signed Cedric on a permanent deal, paying Gent a reported £1.2 million.

Cedric went on to score nine league and cup goals in 25 appearances including braces on successive Saturdays against Charlton and at Old Trafford against Manchester United. The following season with Keane, and McAllister having moved on was a struggle for both Roussel and the team. He was hampered by injuries and managed only two goals in 18 games and at one stage Coventry were trying to move him on to Wimbledon as a makeweight in a deal to bring John Hartson to Highfield Road. That deal never materialized, although City did later sign Hartson, and in February 2001 he was transferred to Division 1 club Wolves for £2 million. His time at Molineux, under manager Dave Jones, was not productive and after 28 games and just two goals he returned to Belgium, on loan to RAEC Mons where he rediscovered his scoring boots. A permanent move to KRC Genk followed and his form earned him three full caps for Belgium. Although his professional playing career continued for another 11 years he rarely stayed long at one club. There were short spells in Russia (Rubin Kazam), Italy (Brescia) and Cyprus (AEK Larnaca) as well as numerous Belgian clubs and he finished at RRC Waterloo in 2015 at the age of 37.

Following his playing career he became an estate agent in Belgium and visited Coventry for a match in 2015 when I had the pleasure of welcoming into the Former Players Association. In June he suffered a cardiac arrest at a cafe in his hometown of Mons and paramedics were unable to revive him.

                                     Cedric Rouse receiving his CCFPA tie in 2015

The Sky Blues suffered another embarrassing League Cup exit at AFC Wimbledon last week in what was their first visit to the Cherry Red Records stadium in Plough Lane just yards from Wimbledon's original ramshackle ground. For the third season running and the ninth time in 12 seasons Coventry have fallen at the first hurdle in the competition. Some fans are understandably disappointed that the record in the cup is so poor as progress in the competition often gives supporters opportunities to see their team face big clubs as we have seen in the last 20 years with ties against Arsenal. Manchester United and West Ham. Big ties like those can also generate large revenues for the club.

It's sad to report the death last Saturday of former Coventry City player Ken Brown at the age of 89. Ken was a popular man in local football circles and will be missed by his family and friends. I will be writing a tribute to him next week.