“I Still Feel Guilty” – Chris Kirkland Shares His Thoughts on Coventry City’s Promotion

Coventry City celebrates their return to the Premier League, but former goalkeeper Chris Kirkland expresses guilt about the circumstances surrounding their relegation.

Chris Kirkland, once the Sky Blues' goalkeeper, reflects on his guilt as the club returns to the Premier League after a 25-year absence.

Despite three draws in their latest games, Coventry City has finally secured promotion back to the Premier League after a quarter-century hiatus.

A goal from Bobby Thomas in their Friday night fixture against Blackburn Rovers earned the crucial point for promotion with three matches remaining.

As Coventry fans celebrate this achievement, Kirkland, part of the team during their 2001 relegation, shares his feelings of guilt over that moment.

Chris Kirkland “guilty” about Coventry City's 2001 Premier League relegation

In a post on X, Kirkland expressed joy for his former club's promotion while also lamenting their fall from the Premier League.

“I still feel guilty for 2001 relegation with @Coventry_City but thank god they are back in the promise land,” he stated, adding, “well done Sky Blues and the fans it’s been a long 25 years.”

Kirkland began his professional career at Highfield Road in 1998 after an unsuccessful trial with Blackburn Rovers. He made his Premier League debut for the Sky Blues in a 2-1 victory against Spurs in October 2000.

Kirkland has no reason to feel guilty about Coventry's 2001 relegation

Kirkland has no reason to feel guilty about his contribution to Coventry City's relegation in 2001. He made his full debut in a League Cup match against Tranmere Rovers in September 1999, and about a year later earned a starting position.

During Kirkland's time, Coventry City had maintained a 34-year presence in the top-flight since their 1967 promotion. They faced several near-relegations along the way, famously winning the FA Cup in 1987 and achieving their highest finish of 6th in 1970.

Throughout the tumultuous 2000-01 season, Kirkland was not among the problems for Coventry City. Despite experiencing relegation in his first proper season as a starter—making 24 Premier League appearances—he went on to debut for the England under-21s. Following their relegation, he transferred to Liverpool for £6 million, then a UK record transfer fee for a goalkeeper at just 20 years of age.

Kirkland’s early career was challenging, reflecting his tenacity and character. Celebrating Coventry's promotion alongside the fans illustrates his enduring connection to the club where his professional journey began.