Steve Waggott: Coventry City chief executive leaves club

Steve Waggott was chief executive at Charlton Athletic before moving to Coventry City

Coventry City chief executive Steve Waggott has left after four years' service to the League One club.

Waggott became chief executive in a boardroom reshuffle in September 2014 on City's return to the Ricoh Arena.

Prior to that he was on brought on to the club's board by owners SISU, who have since rebranded as an offshoot to Otium Entertainment.

Waggott, who hails from the North East, also held the chief executive role with Championship side Charlton Athletic.

Waggott's time has coincided with what the Sky Blues referred to in a club statement as "a difficult period in the club's history".

Apart from falling out with the stadium owners, which led to 14 months in exile in Northampton, they twice sustained 10-point penalties for going into administration, are under their sixth manager in five years and only just avoided relegation from League One on the final day last season.

With things finally looking on the up under current manager Tony Mowbray, Waggott said: "I have decided after four years, and with the club in a good position, that now is the time to move on.

"Anyone who has worked with me over this time, knows the time and commitment I have put into the job in challenging circumstances.

"I have been living away from home for that period and feel it is now right to step away and allow the club to continue to progress."

Mowbray's Coventry have not lost in seven League One games and lie fourth in the table, just a point off top spot, ahead of Saturday's FA Cup first-round home date with their former landlords Northampton.

What they said about Steve Waggott

BBC Coventry & Warwickshire's Clive Eakin:

"While Steve Waggott didn't completely escape the wrath of Sky Blues fans towards the club's owners in recent years, it's fair to say he managed to retain the respect of at least some supporters.

"He's been more communicative than other members of the club's hierarchy and is widely credited with playing a major part in persuading the owners to return to the Ricoh Arena after just over a year in exile at Northampton.

"Waggott's key role has been working with managers to recruit players although under Tony Mowbray this appears to have been largely transferred to Mark Venus (City's technical director)."

Coventry City chairman Tim Fisher:

"Steve's commitment, market know how and experience have been invaluable over what has been a challenging period for the club. He leaves with the club heading forwards in the right direction."

SISU chief executive Joy Seppala:

"We are grateful for Steve's contribution and hard work during the challenges of the recent past. Steve's priority has always been CCFC."