Skipper Brenton taking Cov to his old haunt at Bedford

COVENTRY captain Arthur Brenton is expecting an inhospitable reception when he takes his team into the Goldington Road bearpit at Bedford on Saturday. The lock, who led Phil Maynard’s men to a crucial victory in their first match of the season at home to Rotherham last Friday, will be returning to the club where he spent six seasons before moving to Plymouth.

Brenton returned for the first time with Albion last November and was on the wrong end of a 37-9 battering as Blues were in the process of turning their famous ground into a fortress.

Despite years of loyal service the athletic second row found received what he describes as ‘good-natured banter’ from home supporters.

That, he admits, makes the prospect of returning both exciting and nerve-racking.

“For me personally it was very hostile,” the 28-year-old admitted. “I am looking forward to it but am also apprehensive because having spent a substantial part of my career at that club, it is always difficult going back.

“I was given some banter from the crowd, that is part and parcel. I am sure most of it was in good nature.

“Last year they were on top form and their pre-season has gone very well from all accounts so we are going to have to raise our game a good level or two from Rotherham to come away with anything.”

At least Brenton knows this weekend’s encounter will not be anything like as eventful as his final game for Bedford – against Birmingham & Solihull in April 2008.

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