Although Coventry City fans are still clamouring for more new signings to come through the door, Mark Robins is already happy with the way his squad is taking shape.
So far the Sky Blues boss has brought in four outfield players with two wingers in Ephron Mason-Clark and Raphael Borges Rodrigues, defender Luis Binks and attacking midfielder Jack Rudoni, while goalkeeper Oliver Dovin is understood to be on his way along with the need for a replacement striker following Matty Godden’s move to Charlton Athletic.
Simon Moore, Liam Kelly and Callum O’Hare complete the senior exits so far, but the manager has welcomed back Jack Burroughs and Ryan Howley from season-long loans which means, as it stands, City are two players up in terms of numbers at this stage of proceedings, given that Binks was at the club last season.
Certainly, in terms of positions, the two wide players have provided much needed competition and back-up for the likes of Tatsuhiro Sakamoto, who pretty much made the right-hand berth his own last term until injury cut short his impressive influence in the side.
“There’s a strength in depth that we didn’t have last season,” Robins told CoventryLive. “Tatsu is back and having the three international lads back in has swelled the numbers as well. But they have all got to work hard to get in the starting line-up and be in and around it to play. They have to stick at it.”
The likes of Mason-Clark and Rodrigues may need a settling in period while Binks will once again be battling it out with Liam Kitching for the left sided centre-back spot. The 22-year-old defender, however, could make an early claim for his place in the back four due to Kitching being suspended for the opening Championship match at Stoke due to being sent off at Blackburn at the tail end of last season.
One thing’s for sure, as with every fresh start, places appear to be up for grabs.
“There are a lot of games and some may find themselves in a position where they are trying to get in the side, but it depends on how they go in pre-season,” said the City manager.
“I want to see really strong preparation this season and for us to hit the ground running, which we haven’t been able to do for the previous couple of years when it has been difficult. But we have a bit more chance of doing it this time. It’s a tough league again and it’s always difficult but we’re looking forward to it, that’s for sure.”
Discussion about this post