On Saturday, 2 May, Avanti West Coast will mark Coventry City’s return to the Premier League by temporarily designating the 09:40 departure from Coventry to London Euston as the ‘Sky Blue Champion’, celebrating the club’s recent success for supporters travelling to the final game of the season.

The temporary title references the club’s ‘Sky Blues’ nickname and follows their Championship triumph, sealed with a 5-1 victory over Portsmouth and promotion confirmed on 17 April.

The service is scheduled to be operated by the ‘Lady Godiva’ Pendolino No. 390039, carrying fans towards Watford for the season’s closing fixture at Vicarage Road.

Named after the legendary figure, the Lady Godiva train was selected as a symbol of the city and continues to represent Coventry along the West Coast Main Line.

Coventry station, managed by Avanti West Coast, regularly accommodates supporters travelling to fixtures across the network. The occasion will be marked by the arrival of the renamed service and congratulatory messages displayed throughout the station.

The station has become an increasingly important transport hub in the West Midlands, following an £82 million redevelopment, including a new building, multi-storey car park, and recent platform upgrades.

“Congratulations to Coventry City on their return to the Premier League and winning the Championship title. This is a great moment for Coventry – a key hub on our network and a city we’re proud to serve. 

“It’s fantastic to see everyone united in celebration after the club secured promotion and we’re excited to play a part in marking this historic occasion with fans travelling on our ‘Sky Blue Champion’ service this Saturday. We’re looking forward to welcoming fans onboard next season as they travel to Premier League matches across our network.”

Maria McCarron, Avanti West Coast Station Manager at Coventry.