JACK RUDONI dedicated Coventry City’s first goal at home in the Premier League for 25 years to his ill nan, who is recovering after a heart attack.
The Englishman, 25, was not born when last scored and won in the top-flight – that a 1-0 win over in April 2001 at Highfield Road.
on six minutes, even though he is not the first team’s regular taker from 12 yards.
When he sent goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek the wrong way with a cool finish, he ran over to the corner flag and showed off a message on the white T-shirt underneath his Sky Blues top.
It read GET WELL SOON NAN and typified what an emotional time it has been for him and his family.
The Carshalton-born midfielder revealed on Sky Sports that his beloved nan was recovering in hospital after a medical drama – and he hoped she had the on the TV in the ward.
Rudoni, a former star, said: “Last week, unfortunately, my nan had a heart attack. So she will be watching this from hospital.
“She is stable, which is good. She is a strong woman. She will definitely come through.
“That was for you, nan. I want to dedicate that to her from where she is watching it in hospital.”
Head coach praised Rudoni for the strength he has shown over the last week.
He said: “It happened a week ago and is still ongoing. I saw his T-shirt.
“I have been there for him. I have an understanding of those types of situations.
“He is such a great lad. So close to his family, his mum and his nan. I knew that already.
“He has had a tough period for different reasons with his injury and being out.
“When I heard the news last week, he could have what he wanted from me in terms of support.
“It hasn’t affected him so much. He has come in and trained and keen to do what he did tonight.
“But I know what it means to him and I am pleased he has had his moment for his family to show that support for her like that.”
Rudoni will go down as the answer to a quiz question for generations to come – who scored the first goal at the Coventry Building Society Arena, which was opened in 2005?
It was a sweet moment and started a wonderful night for the Coventry fans as they downed Newcastle 4-1.
Rudoni said: “It’s a massive night for us, a big one for the fans.
“A first home win in 25 years. Glad we could score four for them. Good intensity from everyone. We have to carry that into the next game.
“We wanted to do it in front of home fans. We can be so good at home like we showed last year. We want to make this place a fortress with the fans on our back.
“I think that was my first penalty. As soon as he went down, I was definitely grabbing the ball. This one is mine. That’s my job now.”
