Every signing Mark Robins made from mainland Europe as Coventry manager – where are they now? Part 1

Players who come to the UK from mainland Europe either bring excitement or apprehension. The majority of your club’s fanbase will not have heard of the player unless they’re a football purist who watch even the most obscure leagues. However, it is to be remembered that moving to a different country is difficult, the style of football is different, the physical demands are different and not to mention adjusting to a different culture of being in another country, the same applies to British talent who move to mainland Europe. Some players thrive in this environment, others struggle. In this article, we’re going to look at European signings Mark Robins has made in his time as Coventry City manager and where they are now. This is the first of a two part article. As Gustavo Hamer is still currently a Coventry player and under contract beyond the end of this season, he won’t be in either part 1 or part 2.

1. Wesley Jobello – FC Arges

Coventry City career – 14 appearances, 1 goal and 1 assist.

Before Coventry:

Wesley Jobello signed for the Sky Blues for an undisclosed fee on the 14th of June 2019 from Gazelec Ajaccio, following Gazelec Ajaccio’s relegation to the 3rd tier of French football after a play-off defeat to Le Mans. Jobello would score the winner in the first leg, but missed a crucial penalty in the 2nd leg before Le Mans scored their second goal of the game, which saw Gazelec Ajaccio relegated to the 3rd tier of French football after losing 2-3 on aggregate. The decline and death of Gazelec Ajaccio could have an article on its own. Before arriving to Coventry, Jobello was very experienced in the French 2nd tier playing 116 league matches in Ligue 2 scoring 7 times and 6 assists, so Jobello was arriving to the Sky Blues with some solid pedigree being a graduate of Marseille’s academy and playing 116 times in Ligue 2 playing for Clermont Foot and Gazelec Ajaccio.

Coventry City career:

Wesley Jobello would immediately become a starter for Coventry as he started and played the full 90 minutes on the opening day of the 19/20 season in a 1-0 win over Southend United as Jobello played on the right wing of a front 3 of himself, Amadou Bakayoko and Jordy Hiwula. Jobello would start all of the Sky Blues’ opening 10 league games, scoring once against Blackpool in a heroic 3-2 comeback win after being 0-2 down. His assist came earlier in the season as he would assist Jordan Shipley’s opening goal in Coventry’s 2-0 win against Bristol Rovers. However, disaster would strike. On the day of the away game against Rotherham United, it was announced Wesley Jobello would be out with an injury, which was confirmed to be an ACL injury. The news was devastating for Jobello as he begun to settle into a groove as the starting right winger. The team more took a downturn too, and subsequently the Sky Blues were hammered 4-0 in easily the worst performance of the 19/20 season. Jobello’s season was over, after a dip in performances, Coventry stopped playing with wingers and went with a 3 at the back formation which is still used today. When Jobello returned to fitness, Coventry were now promoted to the Championship and playing in a different system which had isolated Jobello. Jobello would make 3 substitute appearances in the Championship before leaving on the 13th of January 2022 making 14 appearances in all competitions.

Where is he now?

You can find Wesley Jobello playing his football in Romania as he currently plays for FC Argeş Piteşti. After a half season with Boulogne which saw him part of a team relegated to the 4th tier of French football, a stark contrast to the days he was a veteran in Ligue 2. Jobello moved to Romanian Liga I side, UTA Arad in the summer of 2022 where Jobello played 17 times, failing to score but assisting a goal on two occasions, before moving to FC Argeş Piteşti on the 9th of February. So far Jobello has played 14 times for Argeş, starting 6 times and scoring once which was in a crucial 3-0 win over Petrolul where Jobello scored the 2nd goal of the game which helped Argeş avoid automatic relegation on the final day of the season. However, they must win a two-legged relegation play-off tie against 2nd tier side, Dinamo Bucureşti in order to retain their top flight status. Ironically, Jobello’s former club UTA Arad also have to do the same against Gloria Buzau to retain their own top flight status.

Fun fact: Wesley Jobello has played for Martinique at international level. A small territory owned by France in the Caribbean, Jobello has earned 3 caps, scoring 1 goal which came in a 1-0 win over Guadeloupe in a CONCACAF Nations League qualifier.

What caused his career to decline? The ACL injury he suffered at Coventry. Once he came back he returned to a new system which didn’t suit him due to Jobello being an out and out winger. Jobello has thankfully begun to play regular football again in Romania, although not at the same levels he was at in Ligue 2 and what he showed glimpses of in his first few games at Coventry.

**Gervane Kastaneer in action for Netherlands U21 against England U21 batting with Ben Chilwell for the ball.**

2. Gervane Kastaneer – PEC Zwolle (set to leave in the summer)

Before Coventry:

Gervane Kastaneer was part of Feyenoord’s academy, playing for his boyhood club before joining Dordrecht, signing a professional deal in 2012. In 2013 Kastaneer was signed by ADO Den Haag. Kastaneer made his senior debut on the 4th of February 2015 in a 2-0 win over FC Twente, replacing Wilson Eduardo in the 86th minute. In the 2nd half of the 15/16 season, Kastaneer would join FC Eindhoven in the Eerste Divisie where he would impress, helping them reach the play-offs where they fell short against NAC Breda losing 2-1 on aggregate, Kastaneer scored in the first leg. Kastaneer scored 5 times, assisting once in 16 games, a goal contribution every 183 minutes on average. This didn’t go unnoticed by ADO Den Haag as at the start of the 16/17 season Kastaneer became a starter, and would hit the ground running as in the 2nd game of the season Kastaneer would score a brace which saw Den Haag beat Vittese Arnhem 2-1. Kastaneer would continue to impress in the first half of the 16/17 campaign being a key part of Den Haag’s team. However, this is when things would decline for Kastaneer. On the 21st of January 2021, Kastaneer opened the scoring in the 10th minute heading home a goal from a corner in a home tie against PEC Zwolle. However, in the 14th minute Kastaneer had the ball kicked into his eye in a ground duel with Kingsley Ehizibue, a freak accident. Kastaneer was unable to continue, furious and heartbroken he was taken off in the 21st minute. Den Haag went on to lose 2-1. That was the final game Kastaneer would play that season as the eye injury was season ending. In 16 games, Kastaneer had scored 6 times, assisting twice with a goal contribution every 131 minutes. The injury and the psychological effect took a toll, Kastaneer was at age of 20, had a high ceiling and was playing his best football. He was playing for the Dutch U20 and U21 sides, reportedly attracting interest from bigger teams and it’s ripped away, missing months of crucial development time as well as his confidence. However, Kastaneer recovered and signed for Kaiserslautern in 2. Bundesliga. However, his time there was a disaster. After the eye injury, Kastaneer lost the form he was showing at Den Haag. He only made 5 starts in 10 league games, having only one assist. Kastaneer was released one year into a three-year deal where he would join NAC Breda in what was another disaster as he was part of a really poor Breda side who were relegated by finishing rock bottom on just 23 points, scoring just 29 goals, conceding 74. Kastaneer had 2 goals and 1 assist in 21 appearances, only 10 of those games were starts only playing a full 90 on 4 occasions.

Coventry City career:

On the 20th of June 2019, Gervane Kastaneer signed for an undisclosed fee agreeing a three-year deal. Kastaneer had endured two very difficult seasons, so was coming to Coventry with the aim to revive his career while hoping to help the Sky Blues achieve promotion to the Championship. Revive his career, Kastaneer did not but is remembered for a slide tackle. Mark Robins was quoted saying. “We’re very pleased to have sealed the signing of Gervane. He is an exciting winger who has pace, power and creative ability, and is a player who will be able to get our fans excited.” In his days at Den Haag that proved to be true. Before the season would start, while looking very sharp in pre-season Kastaneer would suffer a minor setback, receiving a knock which caused him to miss the opening 2 league matches. However, Kastaneer would be introduced in the 81st minute in a “home” game against Bristol Rovers replacing Wesley Jobello and literally seconds later, scored a brilliant goal from around 25 yards out making it 2-0 to Coventry. Surely a new hero had arrived. Kastaneer was indeed an enigma, he was quite difficult to understand but the unpredictability was also a detriment. The next game away to Portsmouth, Kastaneer was brought on to replace Wesley Jobello but would only be on the pitch for 11 minutes as a reckless slide tackle which is still talked about today saw Kastaneer recieve a second yellow card reducing Coventry to 9 men. Miraculously the Sky Blues still managed to come back to draw 3-3. In the league Kastaneer would only make one start in the disastrous 4-0 hammering away to Rotherham United before being taken off in the 56th minute being replaced by Amadou Bakayoko. Another infamous moment was when Kastaneer was booked in a home tie against Ipswich despite not being on the pitch for getting involved in a touchline squabble between Coventry and Ipswich players which resulted in both clubs being fined. Gervane Kastaneer would make his final appearance for Coventry in a Championship tie in a 10 defeat away to Sheffield Wednesday when he was brought on in the 83rd minute, replacing Ben Sheaf. After a failed loan stint at Hearts in the Scottish Championship where Kastaneer only made 6 league appearances, starting 3 times and assisting once. Kastaneer would leave Coventry City on the 6th of July 2021, agreeing to leave a year early before his contract expires in the summer of 2022. Gervane Kastaneer made 18 appearances in all competitions, scoring only 1 goal.

Where is he now?

Gervane Kastaneer is currently at PEC Zwolle. PEC Zwolle have been promoted back to the Eredivisie at the first of asking. However, Kastaneer is set to become a free agent when his contract expires. In his first season, Kastaneer played 31 out of the 34 league matches, making 17 starts in a season where Kastaneer played 1,550 minutes, he’s most he’s played in a season. Kastaneer would show glimpses of brilliance in the odd game, including a man of the match display against Sparta Rotterdam as well as scoring against two of the Dutch big boys in AZ Alkmaar and PSV Eindhoven. Kastaneer recieved his second man of the match award of the season against AZ Alkmaar. However, as a result of losing multiple key players on free transfers, and replacing the departing players inadequately, PEC Zwolle struggled, Kastaneer included. They finished bottom with 27 points, scoring only 26 goals as a team. The top scorer only got 5. After a successful team rebuild PEC Zwolle got promoted back to the Eredivisie at the first time of asking. However, Kastaneer’s game time significantly reduced only making 2 starts all season in 23 league games. Apart from a great performance against Heracles Almelo in a game where Kastaneer scored and assisted a goal in a 3-2 win, Kastaneer wouldn’t get another goal contribution in the league all season. This summer, Kastaneer will have to find a new club as he’ll be leaving PEC Zwolle as they look to evolve the squad in order to survive in the Eredivisie next season. Wherever Kastaneer goes, hopefully he finds success and gets his career on an upward trajectory again.

Fun fact: Gervane Kastaneer in the 2016/17 season was teammates with current Union Berlin forward Sheraldo Becker at ADO Den Haag. Sheraldo Becker currently plays for Union Berlin enjoying his most prolific season scoring 11 goals, assisting 7 times in 33 league games as he hopes to help The Iron Ones qualify for the Champions League as Union Berlin host Werder Bremen on the final day of the Bundesliga season after Union Berlin defied the odds being an unlikely title contender for the majority of the season.

What caused his career to decline:

The eye injury he suffered in the ADO Den Haag vs PEC Zwolle game in 2017 was the start of the decline. In the first half of the 2016/17 campaign, Kastaneer was very good and playing some great stuff. The injury ended his season, and it cost him crucial months of development at an important time where he was playing really well and was full of confidence, at the age of 20 at the time, Kastaneer was in a great place, thriving for ADO Den Haag while also playing for the Dutch U20 and U21 teams. The injury had bigger psychological consequences as once he left ADO Den Haag, he also lost his form and never recovered, even regressing. Kastaneer is still only 26, soon turning 27 so he has time to get his career on track and hopefully he does. While I think it’s very unlikely he’ll reach the levels he was at in Den Haag, I hope he finds a club where he can settle and thrive on a consistent basis.

Six Coventry City Players From The 2005-2006 Season – Where Are They Now?

Introduction:

The 2005-2006 campaign was a big season for the Sky Blues. After 106 years at Highfield Road which came to an end after Coventry’s 6-2 win over Derby County on the 30th of April 2005, the Sky Blues were set to move into a new home, the Ricoh Arena. It was certainly a huge transition period for Coventry, a season they were looking to progress after a rough 2004-2005 campaign which only saw them survive by a narrow two points. Progress is what they did, finishing in a more respectable 8th place with 63 points, 12 points off the play-offs. The question marks being what if Coventry had a better start or if they were better defensively as despite the 8th place finish, they ended the campaign on -3 goal difference, 62 goals scored and 65 goals against. They were also let down by their away form.

**Dennis Wise celebrates for Coventry City**

1. Dennis Wise – Chief Executive Officer of Como 1907.

2005-2006 Championship stats: 13 appearances, 6 goals.

Before Joe Cole to Coventry, we had Dennis Wise to Coventry. Dennis Wise signed for Coventry City on the 19th of January 2006 in which would be his last dance as a footballer. The Wimbledon and Chelsea legend would end his footballing career in style as he would be an integral part of Coventry City’s strong second half of the season. Dennis Wise would score 6 goals in 13 appearances in which he scored a goal every 165, a stat most strikers would be proud of. One of those goals included a sensational overhead kick in a 2-1 win away to Hull City. The Sky Blues would offer Dennis Wise a one-year extension. However, Dennis Wise would retire from football to become manager at Swindon Town, before a management role at Leeds United before surprisingly leaving Leeds to take up an executive role at Newcastle United which he would end up leaving on the 31st of March 2009.

Where is he now?

Dennis Wise is now the CEO at Serie B side, Como 1907. Como is a city in the Lombardy region of Italy, 31 miles north of Milan. A club who’ve recently made headlines across Europe for the surprise signing of Spain legend, Cesc Fabregas who has also invested into the club’s future. Becoming a part-owner as well as player. Dennis Wise became CEO on the 12th of February 2021 as Como were set to win promotion to Serie B from Serie C. Their second promotion since reforming in 2017 following their second liquidation. Owned by Indonesian Tobacco company, Djarum. Como 1907 has large ambitions to keep growing with aspirations to be promoted to Serie A. Dennis Wise is still CEO.

2. Robert Page – Manager of the Wales National Team *caretaker*.

2005-2006 Championship stats: 32 appearances, 1 goal, 9 clean sheets.

Robert Page went on to make 79 appearances for the Sky Blues from 2005-2008. The former Wales international for the most part was a focal point of the Coventry City defence during the 2005-2006 season. Entering his 30s at this stage, his career was beginning to wind down. However, Page proved to be a solid centre half during his stint with the Sky Blues in which included an incident where he knocked out Michael Doyle in a training ground fight during the 2006-2007 season which was instigated by a hard tackle on fellow Coventry player, Chris Birchall. As a consequence Page was frozen out of the side by Iain Dowie. In January of 2008, Page left Coventry City to go to Huddersfield before ending his footballing career at Chesterfield on the 23rd of March 2011 retiring after an Achilles Tendon injury. In July of 2011 he would begin his career as a coach as he was offered a coaching role by Micky Adams at Port Vale which in September 2014 saw him promoted as manager, Page would remain at the Valiants until the end of the 2015-2016 which saw Vale finish 12th in League One. A move to Northampton to succeed Chris Wilder as manager followed.

Where is he now?

Since March of 2017, Page has been part of the Wales national team, initially in charge of Wales’ Under 17 and Under 19 squads, he would become the assistant manager to Ryan Giggs in August of 2019, a reward of impressing with the youth sides. Page’s organisation skills were credited as a huge part in Wales’ improved defensive performances. However, on the 3rd of November 2020, Rob Page became the caretaker manager of Wales as Ryan Giggs was arrested on two counts of assault. Rob Page has inherited a Wales side in which he guided to a last-16 berth as the Dragons were knocked out in a 0-4 defeat to Denmark. However, it wasn’t all doom and gloom as Wales on the 5th of June 2022 qualified for their first world cup in 64 years, since 1958 after defeating a highly-motivated Ukraine side 1-0. Wales are in Group B of World Cup with 2018 World Cup semi-finalists England, USA and Iran. Rob Page remains caretaker manager for now, but that could easily become permanent if Wales decide to part ways with Ryan Giggs following his court trial which is currently ongoing.

**Andy Whing celebrates the final ever Coventry City goal at Highfield Road.**

3. Andy Whing – Banbury United Manager.

2005-2006 Championship stats: 32 appearances, 7 clean sheets.

Andy Whing will forever go down in history as the last player to score a goal at Highfield Road following Coventry City’s 6-2 win over Derby County. He would end up playing a regular role the following season as he would make 32 appearances for the club. However, that would unfortunately prove to be his peak at the Sky Blues. At the start of the 2006-07 season, Whing would struggle which subsequently saw him loaned out to Brighton from October to December of 2006 before returning to Coventry to play in the reserves until his release which saw him return to Brighton on a permanent basis where he would then have a loan spell at Chesterfield before a brief stint at Leyton Orient before joining Oxford United in the summer of 2011, which would be his final club as he stayed there until retiring at the end of the 2014-2015 season aged just 30. Since retirement as a player Andy Whing has had coaching roles at Kidderminster Harriers as the U23 coach before a spell with Hereford when they were managed by Russell Slade. However, on the 12th of May 2020, Andy Whing would become manager of Banbury United.

Where is he now?

Andy Whing still remains Banbury United manager, his stint with the Puritans has been a major success as Banbury ended the 2021-2022 campaign winning the Southern League Central Division in dominant fashion, only losing twice as they picked up 102 points, 23 ahead of second placed Peterborough Sports who also got promoted to the National League North with Banbury. Banbury have had an encouraging start to life in the National League North as they look to have a strong campaign once again. Who knows, with how unpredictable the non-league could be, Andy Whing’s men could possibly enjoy back-to-back promotions. A young promising squad with more potential. A certain Jak Hickman is part of Banbury side. Banbury sit in second place after 4 games, while there is a very long way to go in the season yet, they’ve had a great start. Football League clubs should definitely look at Andy Whing, a promising upcoming manager who’s done a superb job with Banbury United since taking charge in May 2020.

**Dele Adebola in action for Coventry City during the 2005-2006 season.**

4. Dele Adebola – Founder of Strike9 Training.

2005-2006 Championship stats: 44 appearances, 12 goals.

If you ask a Coventry fan to name a cult hero, there’s a good chance Dele Adebola will be somebody they’ll mention. With the Sky Blues from 2003-2008, Adebola scored 36 goals in 181 appearances. His most prolific season for Coventry came in the 2005-2006 season as Adebola would score 12 goals in 44 league appearances, which included a brace in a 3-0 win over QPR in the first ever competitive game at the Ricoh Arena. Micky Adams being able to get the best out of the Nigerian Centre Forward playing alongside Gary McSheffery and Stern John. While Dele Adebola had a fairly modest goal record, he was a constant problem for defenders and he was always a solid strike partner for prolific goalscorers. Dele Adebola would leave Coventry City in January of 2008 joining Bristol City for an undisclosed fee after rejecting a contract offer as his deal was expiring at the end of the season. Dele Adebola would enjoy a strong spell at Bristol City initially being key to the side in the second half of the season which almost saw the Robins earn promotion to the Premier League until they fell short to Hull City in the playoff final. Adebola scored 6 goals in 20 games. He then followed that with 10 goals in 39 appearances in the 2008-2009 season in which Adebola won Bristol City’s player of the year award. From 2009-2011 Adebola would play for Nottingham Forest being part of two play-off campaigns, although at Forest his game time as more limited as he was usually the backup option to Dexter Blackstock and Robert Earnshaw. His time at Nottingham Forest came to an end at the end of the 2010-2011 season. Brief stints at Hull City, Notts County, Rochdale and Wrexham before retiring as a professional.

Where is he now?

Dele Adebola since 2016 Dele Adebola has ran Strike9 Training, a company which specialises in running corporate football events as well as holiday camps within grassroots football and schools. Strike9 are a community lead organisation who provide sport activities in disadvantaged communities in Birmingham, Solihull and Sandwell. Primary targets being disabled children, children of the BAME community and children at risk of falling into the criminal justice system. A low cost alternative to breakfast clubs with the aim of supporting families, giving them access to community-focused activities through sport during the school holidays. Adebola has done coaching within academies, commentated football matches analysing games for Blues TV, BBC West Midlands, BBC Coventry & Warwickshire, Birmingham Free Radio and Viking Radio. Dele Adebola is a fan of cycling, and is also a Director for an eletric cycling company called EbikeBrum who provide services to businesses and communities as a non-profit organisation.

**Gary McSheffery celebrates scoring for Coventry City.**

5. Gary McSheffery – Doncaster Rovers Manager.

2005-2006 Championship stats: 43 appearances, 15 goals.

Coventry born and a graduate of Coventry City’s academy. McSheffery became the youngest player to play in the Premier League as he made his debut in a 4-1 win over Aston Villa, a record he held for 4 years until it was broken by Aaron Lennon. McSheffery had become an extremely important part of the Coventry City side once the 2005-2006 season rolled around, McSheffery was the main goalscorer for the Sky Blues and that continued on into the 2005-2006 season as he netted 15 goals in 43 league appearances as the Sly Blues finished 8th. The Sky Blues were keen to go one further to break into the top 6 in the 2006-2007 season until those hopes were dealt a fatal blow as on the 16th of August 2006, Coventry reluctantly accepted a bid of £3.6m for Gary McSheffery from local rivals Birmingham City. £2.3m upfront with a further £1.3m after Birmingham were promoted back to the Premier League. McSheffery would play a vital role being Birmingham’s top scorer, scoring 13 goals in 40 appearances as Birmingham were promoted to the Premier League. However, McSheffery wouldn’t make the same impact in the Premier League as Birmingham go straight back down. The rest of his Birmingham stint saw him nurse injury issues and falling out if favour, even going out on loan twice to Forest and Leeds respectively, which the latter saw him help Leeds to promotion back to the Championship after a 3 year absence. This saw him return to Coventry in the summer of 2010. However, the spark wasn’t there anymore and it didn’t meet the same expectations as McSheffery wasn’t the same exciting young forward in his first stint at Coventry. McSheffery would then have stints at Chesterfield, Scunthorpe, Doncaster, Eastleigh and Grimsby. McSheffery would end his football career after stints with Frickley Athletic and Rossington Main. Gary McSheffery was the last player for Coventry City to score 15+ league goals in a Championship season until Sweden international Viktor Gyökeres scored 17 league goals for Coventry in the 2021-2022 season.

Where is he now?

Since 2018, Gary McSheffery has been part of the Doncaster Rovers coaching staff as a coach for Doncaster’s under 23 side which then saw him become the manager of the under 18 side in June of 2021. However, that stint would be short lived as following the sacking of Richie Wellens. Gary McSheffery would be appointed Caretaker Manager for Doncaster Rovers’ first team which after 4 games would become permanent. McSheffery couldn’t save Doncaster from relegation as they finished 22nd with only 38 points. McSheffery would be kept on, trusted with the duty of rebuilding Doncaster so they can instantly get promoted back to League One. After 5 games, Doncaster sit 5th in League Two with 11 points. A long way to go, but they’ve had a good start and if Doncaster’s recruitment suggests anything. There is an emphasis on developing young players with potential. However, there are plenty of experience in the Doncaster side to keep the balance of youth and experience.

**Michael Doyle lifts the League Two play-off final trophy as Coventry are promoted to League One.**

6. Michael Doyle – Forest Green Rovers Assistant Head Coach.

2005-2006 Championship stats: 44 appearances, 0 goals.

A modern-day Coventry City legend and also Robert Page’s training ground opponent. Michael Doyle’s first stint at Coventry City started in 2003 after signing for the Sky Blues upon his departure from Celtic, remaining at the club until 2011 making 297 appearances in his first run, could have been 300+ had it not been for a loan spell at Leeds United for the 2009-2010 season helping Leeds win promotion to the Championship. However, for many years Michael Doyle was an integral part of Coventry City’s midfield. Doyle would play 44 league matches, while he didn’t score a single goal, he was integral to a midfield that helped Coventry finish 8th. Doyle’s most prolific campaign for Coventry came in the 2007-2008 season where he scored 7 goals in 42 games. Following his departure in 2011, Doyle had a 4 year stint with Sheffield United, while he couldn’t save the Blades from relegation to League One, Doyle was always a solid hand in their battles to return to the Championship. Doyle would then join Portsmouth in League Two, which culminated in with Doyle leading Portsmouth to a final day title win in a 6-1 thrashing of Cheltenham Town. It would come full circle as Michael Doyle would join a struggling Coventry City side who had been relegated to League Two. At the first time of asking, the Sky Blues were promoted back to League One after beating Exeter City 3-1, a promotion which cemented Michael Doyle’s legendary status at the club. Doyle would stay at Coventry until January 2019 where he would sign with Notts County, a club where he would stay at until his retirement was official in the summer of 2022 when he became the Assistant Head Coach at Forest Green after a season being assistant coach at Notts County. His last playing season was in the 2020-2021 campaign.

Where is he now?

On the 27th of May 2022, Michael Doyle would join Ian Burchnall in joining Forest Green from Notts County, again adopting the role as assistant coach. Forest Green are starting life in League One for the first time ever. They currently sit in 20th after 4 games. But it’s very early days and Forest Green will certainly be a team to keep an eye on as the small but ambitious club look to consolidate their league one status while going through a transition period following Rob Edwards’ departure to take the job at Championship side, Watford. It’ll be interesting to see if in the future Michael Doyle will ever take the hot seat as a manager. He became a legend at Coventry City as a player. Will he do the same for another club? But as a manager? Time will tell.

Marcel Hilßner – Bremen prospect to forgotten Coventry winger.

Born in Leipzig, Germany on the 30th of January 1995. Marcel Hilßner has had a rather interesting football career. Marcel started his professional career with Werder Bremen, and is currently at Coventry City. Once a hot prospect in Bremen, followed serious injury, a baffling career move, followed by another baffling career move. Signing for Coventry City on the 16th of July 2020, it was a very surprising move, given Marcel Hilßner was established in Germany’s 3rd division. Marcel hasn’t played a senior game for the Sky Blues since, but the setbacks, they were already in motion before he made the move to England to play for Coventry City. We dive into the career of a player, who had impressed in both Germany’s and Bremen’s youth ranks, to being a forgotten man, who’s last dose of senior football was during a failed loan stint with Oldham Athletic.

**Marcel Hilßner in action for Werder Bremen II.**

Early promise in Bremen:

Marcel Hilßner graduated from Werder Bremen’s academy, a big deal with Bremen historically being one of the most successful clubs in German football. While being part of Werder Bremen II, the reserve team. Marcel was progressing nicely in the Bremen reserves. The 2014/15 season was Marcel Hilßner’s most prolific season in senior football. Marcel Hilßner scored 10 goals, racking up 8 assists in 27 games for the Werder Bremen reserves, playing a huge part in the second team earning promotion to 3. Liga. Similar to Spain, Germany have their reserve teams part of the football league pyramid, rather than a separate reserve league. Something that definitely wouldn’t go down well, if it was implemented in England. The following season, Marcel Hilßner would have a great season again. In the league above, Marcel had scored 7 goals, claiming 2 assists in 26 games, he had also missed a fair bit of action due to a ligament injury in the knee. Marcel Hilßner would also make his first and only appearance for the Werder Bremen first team, coming off the bench in a 0-3 loss to Bayer Leverkusen. Marcel was the final day hero, as he scored a brace to help Werder Bremen II defeat VFR Aalen 2-1, Hilßner’s goals were enough secured Werder Bremen’s second team their status part of 3. Liga. However, Marcel would leave the club he graduated from, returning to the eastern part of Germany.

**Marcel Hilßner in action for Dynamo Dresden.**

Marcel signs for Dresden:

While Marcel’s time at Werder Bremen had come to an end, failing to break into the first team on a more regular basis. His efforts were still rewarded. Dynamo Dresden had been promoted to Bundesliga 2 after winning 3. Liga. Marcel signed a three-year deal with Dynamo. After an impressive year in the 3rd tier, now was his chance to impress in the 2nd tier. However, Marcel only had made 8 appearances, only claiming one assist as he ended the campaign, goalless. A season full of constant injury issues, and when he was fit struggled to get into a Dresden side who were exceeding expectations, as they finished an impressive 5th, after being promoted the season before. Marcel Hilßner’s time in Dresden would only last a single season, as Dresden looked to improve their squad further to potentially sustain a promotion push, which ended up backfiring. However, it meant if Marcel wanted game time, he had to leave Dynamo Dresden. Game is what he found, 262 miles away in Rostock. However, it meant dropping back down to 3. Liga.

**Marcel Hilßner celebrates a goal for Hansa Rostock.**

From Dresden, to Rostock:

On the 7th of August, 2017. Marcel Hilßner signed for Hansa Rostock for an undisclosed fee, agreeing a two-year deal. A club who were a mainstay in the iron curtain days of the East German top flight, being the final winners of the NOFV-Oberliga, the old top flight of East Germany, before Germany reunited. Marcel Hilßner signed and proved to be an integral part of the Rostock side, as they were pushing to achieve promotion to Bundesliga 2. Marcel Hilßner’s best game in Rostock came in an epic 8 goal thriller between Rostock and Fortuna Koln, as Marcel Hilßner scored a hat-trick to help Rostock beat Fortuna Koln 5-3. Hansa Rostock were sitting 4th in the table, Hilßner had 4 goals, 6 assists in 18 games before a cruciate ligament rupture ended his season prematurely. At this moment, was where Marcel’s career started to take an unfortunate downward spiral. Rostock would finish in a disappointing 6th, 9 points behind Karlsruher who occupied the promotion play-off slot.

Return from injury and departure from Rostock:

As a consequence of suffering a cruciate ligament injury. Marcel Hilßner would miss the first 9 league games of the 2018/19 season. Marcel would return to league action coming off the bench in a 1-0 win against Karlsruher. His first league start of the season, Hilßner scored his first goal of the season as Rostock ended up drawing 2-2 against FSV Zwickau. Hilßner looked to have kept the form he had the season before, as Hilßner ended up having 5 assists in his first 7 league games of the season. However, game time would progressively reduce, as Hilßner would rarely complete a full 90, with starts becoming less common too. Hilßner would score another goal, as well as another assist as he ended the campaign with 2 goals, 6 assists in 21 appearances. However, his time at Rostock was up, as Hilßner would end up signing for a club in a higher division. Marcel would sign for Paderborn. Little did he know it would be a disastrous career choice.

**Marcel Hilßner in action for Paderborn II.**

Marcel Hilßner signs for Paderborn:

At the start of the 2019/20 season, Marcel Hilßner signed for SC Paderborn following two seasons at Hansa Rostock. However, there’s a chance Marcel Hilßner signed, expecting to be playing football in 2. Bundesliga. Towards the end of the 18/19 campaign, Paderborn went on an amazing run of form, winning 6 of their last 10 games to jump ahead of Union Berlin, Hamburg and Heidenheim to claim automatic promotion behind champions FC Koln. Union Berlin would also be promoted. However, with Paderborn now in the Bundesliga, it instantly became harder for Marcel. Paderborn then went on to sign more players in the positions Marcel Hilßner plays, Marcel was already demoted to the reserves before his career in Paderborn could even get going. Paderborn II were playing in Oberliga Westfalen, which is a league at the 5th tier in Germany. He would score 3 goals in 10 appearances, assisting once, but never came close to troubling the first team. This was alarming because Paderborn were sitting rock bottom of the Bundesliga, with little to no hope of avoiding relegation as Paderborn looked out of their depth.

**Marcel Hilßner in action for Hallescher.**

Marcel returns to 3. Liga to sign for Hallescher on loan:

The January transfer window came, with Paderborn bringing in Dennis Srbeny from Norwich and Antony Evans from Everton. Marcel Hilßner was moved out to go to Hallescher on loan for the rest of the season. However, Marcel would end up joining Hallescher on loan until the rest of the 19/20 season. A good move for Hilßner as Halle is only 27 miles from his hometown of Leipzig. Hallescher were 6th in the table, so Marcel Hilßner was brought in to help them reach promotion to 2. Bundesliga. However, the opposite happened as Hallescher completely capitulated in the second half of the season, having spent a fair bit of the early campaign at the very top of the league. Hallescher went from promotion contenders to relegation candidates very quickly. Marcel struggled to have the same effect on 3. Liga due to being part of a team who were in a very poor run of form. Game time was also inconsistent being in and out of the starting 11. However, his first goal came after he came off the bench, as he scored a late equaliser in added time to earn Hallescher a point against FC Ingolstadt. Marcel would score again in the first game back from a break due to COVID stopping football from being played. He scored in a 4-2 defeat to Preußen Münster. Marcel Hilßner would end the season with 2 goals, 2 assists in 24 games. Hallescher avoided relegation by just two points. However, his days at Paderborn were also done, as a club from the heart of England who were on the up were surprisingly ready to sign the German.

**Marcel Hilßner playing for Coventry City during pre-season.**

Marcel Hilßner joins the Sky Blues:

On the 16th of July 2020, Marcel Hilßner signed with the Sky Blues for an undisclosed fee from SC Paderborn. Coventry City were scouting a few players from mainland Europe, so there was every chance Coventry were scouting Hilßner for a fair few years. However, again the timing proved to be very poor as the Championship was too much of a step up, if Coventry were in League One, there’s a possibility Marcel would have had more if a chance. There were other problems, Marcel had developed a health issue shortly after arriving to England, it was a lung problem which sidelined Marcel and undoubtedly halted his settling in process. Marcel would feature for the U23 squad, despite being being 25 at the time, occasionally scoring the odd goal. He never seemed to trouble the first team, deja vu of his time at Paderborn. Marcel would occasionally make the subs bench, but was never used. A young Will Bapaga and the incredibly unfancied Gervane Kastaneer were ahead of him in the pecking order. It wouldn’t be long until he was send out on loan.

**Marcel Hilßner in action for Oldham Athletic.**

Marcel joins Oldham Athletic on loan:

On the 13th of January 2021, Marcel Hilßner ended up joining Oldham Athletic on loan until the end of the season, in order to improve his fitness, and to get regular game time. Marcel’s time at Oldham actually started off very well, having a strong debut against Walsall. His first assist would be in a 4-3 defeat to Forest Green as Hilßner setup Conor McAleny for the first of two goals McAleny scored. Hilßner’s first and only goal for Oldham came when Marcel scored a penalty in the 71st minute as Oldham beat Carlisle 3-1 at Brunton Park. Unfortunately it was as good as it got for Marcel. His game time would begin to decrease as he would play less as his fitness was also questioned. He would get one more assist in a defeat against Morecambe. After a good start to the loan spell, Marcel’s game time kept decreasing before ended the season outside of the matchday squad. It looked like Marcel Hilßner’s Coventry career was over before he could even play a game for the Sky Blues. A low-risk gamble that unfortunately ended up failing to work out.

What next for Marcel?

There is no denying that Marcel has displayed promise and talent in the past. However, the last few years have been riddled with bad luck and bad career moves. To put it bluntly, Hilßner’s time at Coventry has been a disaster. There might be a good player in Hilßner. However, it certainly won’t be at Coventry as the Sky Blues keep developing. It might not be in England, as it’s suggested that Hilßner wants to return home to Germany which is understandable. It’s very difficult to settle into a different country to play football, hence most footballers struggle to make that adjustment. The same happens when English players go to different European countries. In Marcel’s case, his career started to decline before he even joined Coventry City. The first setback was when he injured his cruciate ligament while being an integral part of the Hansa Rostock side. While he recovered from that. The ill-fated move to Paderborn proved to be the real start of his decline, as Paderborn’s shock promotion to the Bundesliga ended up being a fatal detriment to his time there before he even started. His time at Coventry City has more or less been deja vu of his time in Paderborn. He didn’t really do anything wrong ar Coventry. It was just a poor career move as he was never good enough to be given a chance at the Sky Blues. However, if or when Marcel Hilßner returns to Germany. Hopefully he can revive his career, as there he has a proven record in 3. Liga, and could certainly be a major asset for many of teams at that level. Marcel would be playing with a major point to prove. If he can put his injury and fitness woes behind him. He certainly has the ability to revive his career, to become a success in the German lower leagues.

Footballers Who Deserve A Chance To Play At A Higher Level.

At the highest level, there are some players who are up to the task at the level they play in where others don’t quite make the grade. However, there are plenty of footballers who either have never had a chance to play at a higher level or deserve a second chance at that level as a result of their improvement. We look at a list footballers who deserve an opportunity at a higher level than what they’re currently playing in. Only one player per club is the rule, for diversity sake.

**Aleksandar Mitrovic celebrates his winning goal against Portugal.**

1. Aleksandar Mitrovic – Fulham

Possibly the most obvious inclusion in this list. It would be criminal not to include him. His record this season speaks for itself. The Serbian International has scored 22 goals in as many games, racking up 5 assists too. Scoring 44 goals in 69 games for Serbia. He’s very successful on the international stage as well, being joint-3rd top scorer with Robert Lewandowski in the recent World Cup Qualifiers only behind Memphis Depay and Harry Kane. This included a late winner against Portugal which sent Serbia into the World Cup. While it would be ludicrous to suggest he’s on the same level as those 3 world class attackers. He’s still very good, and definitely Premier League quality in my opinion. Unlucky that his 3 seasons in the Premier League were with poor sides relative to the level of the Premier League who were destined to be relegated. Mitrovic has 24 goals in 104 Premier League games. Not spectacular but a misleading stat. Last term, Mitrovic only netted 3 goals in 27 games. So it would be understandable for people to be apprehensive. However, Mitrovic wasn’t deployed correctly by Scott Parker. Under better management, Mitrovic could have possibly had the license to be the goalscorer that kept Fulham in the Premier League. West Ham are reportedly interested in the Serbian International with David Moyes wanting to bolster his striker line-up which is severely lacking in depth with only Michail Antonio seen as a serious option. With the Hammers enjoying another fantastic campaign, currently battling for the final Champions League spot against Arsenal, Manchester United and outsiders, Wolves. West Ham are also through to the last 16 of the Europa League, receiving a bye due to winning their group. While Mitrovic might cost a bit of money due to being on a long-term deal with Fulham. It could well be worth the money, as Mitrovic could certainly bolster the Hammers’ attack on 4th place in the Premier League and the Europa League crown, which would also guarantee Champions League qualification should the Hammers win the Europa League. With the success West Ham have had with recent Championship gems, Jarrod Bowen and Said Benrahma, West Ham could also hit gold signing Mitrovic.

Possible Level: Premier League.

**Ben Bereton Díaz celebrates scoring for Chile against Paraguay.**

2. Ben Brereton Díaz – Blackburn Rovers

One of the biggest surprises of the season is Ben Brereton Díaz. Brereton has always been a talented player, but there was just a missing key that was needed to unlock the extra potential. Turns out switching international allegiance to Chile. Born in Stoke-on-Trent, Brereton was eligible to play for Chile, due to his mother being born there. Playing for Chile unlocked an extra level in Brereton’s game, like adding aerodynamic parts to a car to increase its downforce and cornering speed. Brereton has been unstoppable, filling the void Adam Armstrong left behind. Brereton has scored a remarkable 19 goals in 23 games this season. 1 more goal in his previous 5 seasons in the Championship combined, where he scored 18 in the previous 5 seasons. As a result of his goals, Blackburn emerge as one of the Championship’s surprise packages, only 3 points off the top of the Championship. Several clubs rumoured to be interested in Brereton, which includes Sevilla, who are embroiled in a title race with Real Madrid. With how well Arnaut Danjuma is doing with Villarreal, following joining from Bournemouth. A move to Spain could be tempting for Brereton. Leeds United are also reported to be interested in the Chile International with them being in need of a goalscoring striker as a result of Patrick Bamford having a season riddled with injury trouble as is Rodrigo. Blackburn have a year option in Brereton’s contract, so there are no worries about losing him for free. However, failure to earn promotion to the Premier League might spell the end for Brereton at Blackburn as he might look at playing at a higher level. Unless he’s sold in January that is.

Possible Level: Premier League or La Liga.

**Scott Twine celebrates scoring for MK.**

3. Scott Twine – Milton Keynes Dons

Signing from Swindon in the summer, Scott Twine has upped his game from what was already at an impressive level. Twine was somebody I heavily clamoured for my club Coventry City to sign. However, MK were the club who signed Twine. In 20 appearances, Twine has netted 9 goals, as well as racking up 7 assists. Twine has been integral to MK’s promotion push in League One. Any player is important if they’re the goalscorer, or provider. But to be both, that’s extremely impressive. A good eye for a pass or goal, including some long range bangers. Twine is everything you want. An exciting attacking midfielder, who also makes an effective striker with his finishing should make him a wanted man in January. Last January, Twine reportedly had plenty of Championship clubs monitoring his progress, so MK signing him this summer really shown a massive statement of intent. Championship clubs should still be heavily interested, as he’s quickly become one of the very best attackers in League One. Although Twine is no longer available on a free, and should cost a fairly strong seven-figure fee. Birmingham City are a club who could benefit from signing Twine, with Riley McGree set to return to Charlotte FC in the MLS and Manchester United loanee, Tahith Chong is also due a long spell out on the sidelines too. Luton Town are another club who’d benefit from his creativity. A front 3 of Twine, Adebayo and Cornick could be fire. Especially as Luton would have strong backup options in Jordan Clark and Fred Onyedinma. I’d obviously love Scott Twine at Coventry, as he’d be an excellent partner to Callum O’Hare. But that’s unfortunately very unlikely.

Possible Level: Championship.

**Michael Smith celebrates his penalty against Coventry in 2019.**

4. Michael Smith – Rotherham United

The Rotherham Centre Forward has been enjoying an excellent campaign scoring 12 goals in 21 games as Rotherham sit at the top of League One. 15 goals in all competitions. For a third straight season. Smith has been enjoying an excellent partnership with fellow frontman, Freddie Ladapo as they’ve scored a combined 20 league goals together so far. The highly physical target man also had a strong season in the Championship last term as Rotherham narrowly failed to beat the drop. Smith scored a highly respectable 10 goals, arguably keeping Rotherham alive in that relegation fight. Smith is in this list mainly because of his contract status. Michael Smith’s current deal with Rotherham expires at the end of the season. If Smith continues this goalscoring form, he’ll be in massive demand. Rotherham will be trying their hardest to keep the 30 year old, undoubtedly. However, avaliable on a free. More Championship clubs might be keeping tabs on his contract situation. Highly physical Championship sides should definitely be looking at signing Smith next season, if he decides to leave Rotherham. A team who have a smaller striker who could benefit with a dominant big man up top should look at him too. Several Championship clubs I expect will be interested. With Smith free to talk to clubs in January, it could be a very busy month for Smith and his agent. Michael Smith is a Championship striker, wreaking havoc in the league below.

Possible Level: Championship.

**Tom Conlon celebrates his goal against Bradford City.**

5. Tom Conlon – Port Vale

Tom Conlon once again, has been integral to Port Vale. Last season, Conlon scored 10 goals, racking up 8 assists. The Port Vale captain again has been a level above. If Conlon wanted to push for at least a League One move, he definitely could have got it. Instead, he signed a three-year deal. Conlon is part of an excellent midfield, partnered with Ben Garrity and Tom Pett. Brad Walker is a great option too. Ben Garrity appears to be scoring most of the goals in midfield, with Garrity even filling in as a striker while Vale are short up top. Conlon’s leadership and quality has been integral to the Valiants’ promotion push. Conlon has 3 goals and 5 assists in 17 games. An excellent goal contribution count at this stage. With 25 games to go, Conlon has plenty of time to beat the 18 goal contributions he had last season, currently on 8. You would back Conlon to score at least a few more goals this season, while assisting plenty. Excellent with set-pieces, free kicks, corner kicks or penalties, he’s dangerous. If Conlon sees a weakness in his opponent, he’s like a Shark that smells blood in the water and exploits it. In open play Conlon is just as deadly. A decent finisher in midfield, fantastic ability on the ball, very aggressive and is known for his high pressing. Conlon isn’t afraid to get physical despite his smaller size. Wins his tackles and competes in aerial battles. The big advantage Conlon has is his excellent fitness levels, very agile, nimble, great balance. Excellent levels of stamina, as a result is very rarely taken off, as 9 times out of 10, he’s completing a full 90 minutes, and still looks like he could easily continue. Conlon has excellent aerobic conditioning, a big reason why he has a big advantage over his opponents. Add his excellent technical ability, you’ve created a monster. 25, about to turn 26. Conlon is still developing and getting better. Conlon in my opinion could easily be a superb midfielder in a higher league. Most clubs in League One would improve their midfields with Conlon part of it. While not many players in League Two could realistically make that giant leap to the Championship. I think Tom Conlon genuinely could. Conlon could easily be a target for clubs in the Championship like Coventry City or Luton Town. Both clubs who love high work rate players. Several bottom half clubs fighting to survive should definitely be looking at him too. As stated before, Conlon is Port Vale’s captain. So if Coventry signed him and it proved to be major success. There is no longer a lack of worry in regards to a Liam Kelly or Kyle McFadzean successor when it comes to finding a new leader in the camp. Could imagine Conlon thriving in a team like Aberdeen or Motherwell in Scotland, should a club north of the border take interest in the Port Vale skipper.

Possible level: Championship, League One or Scottish Premier League.

**Nicky Cadden in action for Forest Green Rovers**

6. Nicky Cadden – Forest Green Rovers

A massive reason for Forest Green Rovers’ success so far this season has been their wing backs, Nicky Cadden and Kane Wilson. With Forest Green being top of League Two, it was impossible not to include one of their players. In truth, Cadden and Wilson both deserve to play at a higher level. But Cadden is my pick, just. Since signing from Greenock Morton after taking the Scottish Championship by storm. Cadden hasn’t looked back. Initially, Cadden was supposed to be a winger. But he’s taken on the role of left wing back superbly, and has been integral in taking Forest Green to the top of League Two. With 6 goals and 6 assists in 19 appearances, Cadden has been a house on fire. A long way to go, Cadden has all the time to add more goals and assists to that already impressive tally. The 25 year old Scotsman is out of contract. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be leaving Forest Green. Promotion to League One could very well be a good reason to stay. However, Nicky Cadden will have caught the eye with his dangerous attacks from Wing Back. Cadden will have alot of interested clubs keeping tabs. Could very well be very good in the league above, could even get a couple of Championship teams trying their luck on the attacking wing back. Wouldn’t rule a return to Scotland for Cadden out either, with the success he’s had, and will certainly deserve a real crack for a solid Scottish Premier League side.

Possible Level: Championship, League One or Scottish Premier League.

**Kabongo Tshimanga celebrates his debut goal for Chesterfield.**

7. Kabongo Tshimanga – Chesterfield

Another season, again Tshimanga is showing why he’s a striker who deserves to play in the football league and has done for a while. Since his prolific season with Oxford City where he scored 37 goals in 54 games. Tshimanga hasn’t looked back. After two prolific campaigns with Boreham Wood which resulted in clubs in the football league keeping an eye, apparently Championship clubs and League One clubs. However, that didn’t stop Chesterfield, as according to Boreham Wood’s chairman, they paid an “amazing fee” to sign him according to Boreham Wood chairman, Danny Hunter. Chesterfield are now owned by their Community Trust and they’re certainly not lacking any ambition, as Tshimanga should already be in the football league. Tshimanga has scored 18 goals in as many league games. 40.9% of his shots taken have resulted in a goal, very clinical. A player who is strong, pacey, powerful and skillful. Tshimanga is everything you want. A good finisher backed up with technical ability and work rate off the ball. Chesterfield sit top of the National League, as Tshimanga has scored 50% of their league goals, so they’ll definitely be trying to keep him, and will be demanding an expensive fee, given he signed a three-year deal in the summer. If Chesterfield are promoted to League Two, there’s every chance he could stay there anyway, as they won’t have any reason to replace him. However, failure to go up and clubs in higher divisions will circle around like sharks around a whale carcass. There’s an argument Tshimanga has potential to be prolific as high as League One. So don’t be surprised if there’s interest there and from several League Two clubs. Tshimanga has stepped things up another level this season, and Chesterfield are reaping the rewards so far, as they sit top of the table.

Possible Level: League One or League Two.

**Joe Sbarra celebrates his goal against Maidenhead.**

8. Joe Sbarra – Solihull Moors

Joe Sbarra has been one of the National League’s top players, and it’s unsurprising. How he’s playing in the National League is beyond me. Joe Sbarra at the young age at the age of 23 has 18 Championship and 29 League One appearances to his name while he was with Burton Albion. Following his release from the Brewers, the ambitious Solihull Moors signed him to a two-year deal with an option of a third in the club’s favour, having previously had him on loan a couple of seasons before. Sbarra is a player with plenty of technical ability and pace to make life difficult for the defender. He can play as a number 10, central midfield and can play out wide too. Also having a good eye for goal, getting into great positions and also scoring a few crackers too. So far, Sbarra is the 4th top scorer in the league, with 11 goals in 20 games. He’s been vital to Solihull’s promotion push as they sit in 6th, 3 points off the top, although Chesterfield do have two games in hand. While Sbarra’s contract does expire in June of 2022, Solihull crucially have a year option in their favour. So the worry of losing him for free is very minimal. Promotion to League Two would tempt him to stay with the small but ambitious club in the West Midlands. However, I could see plenty of League Two sides looking at him, knowing Sbarra could massively improve their attacks with his ability and strong finishing in midfield. League One sides will be taking an interest too. Sbarra already has experience at strong levels playing in both the Championship and League One, so that’s something that would be in his favour, as he’s not totally unproven, and will have been much improved since the last time he was in the Football League. It’s likely Solihull won’t be losing him for free, due to the year option. But if the right club comes in at the right price. A return to the Football League is certainly imminent for the Solihull talisman.

Possible Level: League One or League Two.

Coventry City’s U23s Who Might Benefit From Going Out On Loan

While the first team have been defying the odds in the Championship despite massive financial limitations, relative to most of the league. The Under-23s have been enjoying a fruitful campaign of their own. They sit top of the northern section of the Professional Development League, 8 points clear of Sheffield United. However, there are plenty of players in the U23 setup, who might benefit from a loan spell. In this article, I discuss who those players might be.

**Fabio Tavares in action for Coventry City U23s at the CBS Arena**

1. Fabio Tavares

The star man for the U23s this season has undoubtedly been Fabio Tavares. Since settling in with the Sky Blues after signing from Rochdale. Tavares hasn’t stopped scoring for the U23s, currently boasting a record of 13 goals in 12 appearances this season. Tavares looks a level above the league the U23 squad play in, hence a potential loan spell should possibly be the next move for the pacey striker. Tavares has had a handful of games in League One, with 2 goals in 26 league appearances for Rochdale. Although most of which were substitute cameos. League Two might be the best possible league for Tavares, with League Two being known for its physicality, it’s the perfect league for Fabio to develop. Port Vale are currently without two of their main strikers, James Wilson and Jamie Proctor through injury, and are in need for reinforcements in January, with Vale playing a similar style of football to Coventry, it seems like a good fit. Undoubtedly, there are other possible clubs in the same league Tavares could go to, as well.

Possible level: League Two.

**Declan Drysdale in action for Cambridge United**

2. Declan Drysdale

Declan Drysdale is a centre half who was potentially a successor for Kyle McFadzean. However, the increased importance of Kyle McFadzean and the fast upward trajectory of the club are two things he’s fell victim to. Missing a fair bit of this season through injury in which he likely would have gone out on loan again, and since returning has been outperformed in the U23s by a young George Burroughs. Maybe time is borrowed for the Birkenhead born Centre Half. A talented Centre Half who is certainly a good player to have in League One and League Two. There is every chance this loan could be his last, as there’s every chance Declan Drysdale could be leaving Coventry City on a permanent basis in the summer. There is currently too much quality ahead of him in the pecking order, also at the age of 22 he needs to be playing regular senior football. Something he’s unlikely to get at Coventry City. While he might go out on loan in January, it could easily be with an option to buy. Coventry have younger defenders where they need to bring up into their U23 side with the likes of Jay McGrath and Fionn O’Brien needing a clear path. Drysdale’s time is limited. But there is no reason why he can’t be a great signing for a League One or Two club.

Possible level: League One or League Two.

**Jonny Ngandu in action against Cheltenham.**

3. Jonny Ngandu

Another young prospect who has fallen victim of the club’s own success. To be clear, Jonny Ngandu is a very talented midfielder, a midfielder who has also displayed strong leadership skills, succeeding Josh Eccles as U23 captain. Ngandu falls into the same category as Declan Drysdale and Morgan Williams. Talented players who subsequently became victims of the club’s success where in League One, they’d likely have been around the first team picture by now. Jonny Ngandu was tipped as one of Coventry City’s hottest prospects and was tipped for big things. That isn’t a knock on Ngandu though, it’s just the dangers of giving a young player too much hype, too soon which came from the fast Ngandu was promoted to the U23 side at the age of 16. However, Ngandu for a combination of factors has been in the U23 setup for 4 seasons now. Now aged 20, Ngandu needs to spread his wings. Possibly Ngandu could go out on loan, then Coventry could review him from there. Although it’s likely he’ll be let go, in order to spread his wings. He certainly has the potential to go far, but won’t reach that potential stuck in Coventry City’s U23s. There are plenty of leagues Ngandu could slot into.

Possible level: League Two, National League or Scottish Championship.

**Blaine Rowe in action against Southampton in pre-season of 2020.**

4. Blaine Rowe

Blaine Rowe isn’t a player I regularly see as somebody tipped to make it at Coventry City, and I think that’s harsh. While Coventry City fans seem to pin their hopes on the highly rated Jack Burroughs to make the grade, Blaine Rowe has just as much as a chance to. Last season in pre-season, Rowe and Burroughs were essentially having a shootout to see who might play in place of the injured Fankaty Dabo in the Championship, before Robins decided with Josh Pask. Rowe impressed many in that pre-season campaign. Rowe did manage to make the bench in the league on two occasions last season though. Signing a professional deal in 2020. Rowe hasn’t looked back. Rowe has been an important fixture in Coventry City’s U23 side. Blaine Rowe is predominantly a Right Back/Wing Back who can also play as a Centre Back if required. Rowe reads the game very well, knowing when to make the tackle. Rowe has the ability to quickly turn defence into attack, using his power and pace to start counter attacks, Rowe has plenty of technical ability to boot. The time has come for Blaine Rowe to go out on loan to get some much needed senior experience. Rowe possibly has the ability to be loaned out to League Two. But realistically, non-league is more likely for Rowe. Non-league should be perfect to get Rowe’s foot into the door of senior football. A much tougher test than what the average fan thinks it is.

Possible level: National League or National League North/South.

**Josh Eccles in action for Gillingham.**

Honourable Mention: Josh Eccles

Josh Eccles is more of an honourable mention because he’s a player who could massively benefit from a loan spell, but there’s an argument that Josh Eccles is already ready for Coventry City’s first team. An integral player for the U23s, Josh Eccles had an impressive loan spell for Gillingham until January last season, before returning to Coventry. Josh Eccles would end the season very much part of Coventry City’s first team plans, even starting a couple of games putting in some strong showings. Eccles was also with the first team in pre-season and it looked like he would very much be in the plans, until he got injured. Eccles has recently returned from injury, but with Hamer being as good as he is, the large improvement in both Ben Sheaf and Jamie Allen as well as Kelly staying fit. It won’t be easy for him to just insert himself into the team. While he arguably is ready for the first team and is deserving of a chance. You can understand the other side of the argument of him needing to go out on loan. There is a league that might be perfect for him for the rest of the season. A loan to north of the border could be the perfect place for Josh Eccles, should Robins choose to loan him out. Jack Burroughs is also competing in the Scottish Premier League. It’s a tough division to be part of, so it’s a league that should be a great test for Eccles. A test that should massively help his development to the point he becomes an important first team player once he returns. Could see Eccles adding alot to a side, say Motherwell, who are currently in a battle to qualify for Europe. This would be welcome news, as both Sheaf and Eccles have been seen as future Liam Kelly successors.

Possible level: Scottish Premier League

Port Vale’s Resurgence After Years Of Adversity.

One team in the Football League who have been enjoying a very fruitful campaign so far, are Port Vale. Port Vale have had a very difficult time in recent years, having to endure a reign of terror under the ownership of Norman Smurthwaite, before being bought by Carol Shanahan in May of 2019 for more than £5 million, the club is now in far safer hands. If any football club deserves a successful season following so much adversity, it’s Port Vale. The appointment of Darrell Clarke has resulted in a massive turnaround for the Valiants. An engaged dressing room, and a ruthless summer of change has resulted in Port Vale becoming promotion contenders, as they currently sit 3 points off the top in 2nd place, only behind league leaders, Forest Green Rovers. I spoke with Port Vale supporter, Lauren Ash as we both discussed Port Vale’s season so far, Darrell Clarke himself, recruitment and end of season predictions.

**Darrell Clarke pictured as Port Vale manager.**

1. First thoughts on the appointment of Darrell Clarke, following John Askey’s dismissal?

Lauren responded, “Looking back, it was unexpected. But I tried to remain impartial and remain optimistic about the appointment, hoping Vale’s results would turn around, which they did.” Darrell Clarke, prior to becoming Vale manager, was in charge of league rivals, Walsall. So the Valiants had to pay the Saddlers a compensation package for his services. Darrell Clarke has the credentials, having achieved promotion to League One from League Two with Bristol Rovers in 2016. However, prior to Clarke’s appointment. Port Vale had been struggling for form, and even then it took Darrell Clarke a while to get Port Vale on a run of form. So some fans could be forgiven if they weren’t the most optimistic. However, Vale went on to end last season strongly, which included a nine game unbeaten run winning eight, a run of games where Vale skipper, Tom Conlon went on a major rampage over the whole of League Two.

2. What do you think Darrell Clarke did in order to help Port Vale end last season strongly?

Lauren replied, “I think the main thing Darrell Clarke did which enabled us to win so many games at the end of the season, to finish the season strongly was getting the dressing room behind him. He went in there, to lay down the law. Getting hold of the changing room, the manager has the authority over his team.” Port Vale had been struggling for large parts of last season, so to assert authority into a squad, which was low in morale due to a poor campaign is absolutely integral, and Clarke gave his Port Vale side, a new lease of new life which enabled them to end last season strongly. For any manager to thrive at the club they are at, it’s crucial his squad are behind him, and his ideas. Port Vale went from possible relegation candidates to finishing a respectable 13th in such a short space of time. Showing that Port Vale were very resurgent, in a nine game unbeaten run which saw Port Vale win six games in a row.

**Tom Pope celebrates his goal against Premier League giants, Manchester City.**

3. Initial thoughts on Clarke’s ruthless streak in regards to the retained list which included club legend, Tom Pope parting ways?

Lauren responded, “I have alot of love for Tom Pope. As the time was aporoaching for the retained list to come out, we all knew deep down Tom Pope wasn’t going to be on that list. What he’s done for us as a club, he’s a club legend. For me, the only club legend I’ve seen in my lifetime.” The departure of Tom Pope evidently had an effect on the Port Vale fanbase, showing the legacy he built for himself there when you see the fanbase really sad, following the departure of a club legend. Lauren continued, “Myself as well as the majority of Vale fans shocked and confused at the retained list. Scott Brown, Luke Joyce who both had tremendous games and seasons for us were let go, leaving Vale fans confused. He was very ruthless, but looking back it worked out okay. But I do miss Pope.” Darrell Clarke took some risks in his approach as some players who were let go had played large roles for Port Vale. However, Darrell Clarke is a manager who isn’t afraid to change things up, whether that’s with squad rebuilds, or tactically during a football match. A risk-taking mentality that is massively paying off for Port Vale so far.

4. First thoughts on summer recruitment and the first five games of the season?

Lauren replied, “The opening five games, I was thinking. What is going on? I went to the first two home matches, I was sat there fearful for the season ahead. But I also thought, Clarke hasn’t had time to gel the team, so I’m trying to keep myself optimistic. They need a few more games together, to gel. Darrell Clarke needs more games, to work out his formation and his preferred team. But I was uneasy at the start of the season.” It wasn’t the best of starts to a football campaign for Port Vale, as a consequence of having a fairly new squad, needing to integrate their new signings into the side. Port Vale had seven debutants in their starting 11, in their opening day defeat to Northampton, as well as 5 other new signings on the substitutes bench. Things like this can happen, as it takes certain players longer to settle in, than others. However, once the new signings had settled, it was clear Port Vale had recruited well, as Port Vale have made excellent progress.

**Port Vale captain and star man, Tom Conlon in action for the Valiants.**

5. Best signing as part of Darrell Clarke’s summer rebuild?

Lauren responded, “The best signing of the summer was easily Tom Conlon. The fact he signed a new three-year deal was a massive statement of intent. Conlon has been fantastic for the last season, but has further excelled since Clarke become the manager. He’s been outstanding, and the stats prove it. He is absolutely brilliant!” The development of Tom Conlon has been sensational. Comparing Conlon’s goal contribution stats from the 19/20 and 20/21 seasons, Conlon went from 1 goal, 3 assists in 22 appearances, to 10 goals, 8 assists in 42 appearances. Conlon had the joint-3rd highest average WhoScored rating in League Two with a 7.24 rating. Conlon’s amazing levels of fitness shouldn’t be ignored, either, it’s very rare to see Conlon not play the full 90 minutes, only being substituted off in league action twice in his 42 appearances, playing an amazing 3676 minutes last season. After 12 league appearances so far this season. Conlon already has 3 goals and 4 assists. There are 31 league games left in the current campaign, if Conlon can keep the same goal and assist trajectory all season, he’s on course to end the season with double figures in goals, as well as assists. Tom Conlon is also a very loyal footballer, a rare breed of footballer in the modern game. To put Tom Conlon’s amazing quality into perspective, if he really wanted a League One move, or maybe even a lower Championship move if he attracted interest from that level, he could have got it and it’s unlikely Port Vale fans would have held any resentment towards him for it. But to sign a three-year deal with Port Vale to help their attempt to climb up a league or two is excellent loyalty. Even if he does leave Port Vale, he has still helped them to an extent, as a longer contract means Vale can demand more money. Football needs more players like Tom Conlon.

Lauren continued, “In terms of somebody we’ve brought in, then it’s got to be Tom Pett. A midfield of Tom Pett and Tom Conlon is fantastic. He has had some amazing games. I went to the Mansfield game, by far he was our best player. Out of the games I’ve been able to watch, Tom Pett has been head and shoulders above most opposition players from other teams, if not most, all players from other teams.” Signing on a free transfer from Stevenage, Pett has been an excellent piece of business by Darrell Clarke. Pett has been part of a superb midfield trio of himself, Ben Garrity and Tom Conlon. Pett is able to sit back, giving Garrity and Conlon the freedom to go forward to create opportunities for others, as well as for themselves. Add in Brad Walker snapping at their heels as well as Jake Taylor. Vale’s backup options are strong too. Not to forget David Worrall on the flank. Port Vale arguably have the best midfield in League Two, which could step up to League One and be competitive. Although Tom Pett doesn’t have the 3 goals each Conlon and Garrity have, he’s extremely integral to the Port Vale midfield, as he allows the other two to maximise their own qualities. Conlon and Garrity’s life in midfield might be more difficult without Tom Pett alongside them.

6. Who has been the standout player under Clarke’s reign in your opinion and why?

Lauren replied, “Conlon has been our best player under Clarke’s reign, he’s really been our best player. If it wasn’t for Conlon, we might not have won as many games, maybe even losing some. He’s relatively young, and took on the captaincy role. He’s done it with plenty of confidence, displaying excellent professionalism. Conlon has been our best player, easily.” Tom Conlon really has hit his own stride at Port Vale. Being the club captain at the relatively young age of 25 is no easy feat, Conlon is evidently a footballer who displays so much maturity for somebody his age. Conlon is the focal point of many things at the moment. One of Port Vale’s most integral creative outlets, has shown massive improvement with his finishing. As stated before, Tom Conlon on ability alone is a player who can play at a higher level, but the fact he’s committed his long-term future with Port Vale is proving to be extremely fruitful for the Valiants. With a long way to go this season, another footballer could very well step up, and maybe become the standout player under Darrell Clarke themselves. However, with Tom Conlon’s buckets of quality, while he keeps on improving simultaneously, it wouldn’t be too surprising, if Conlon ended up winning another player of the season award come May.

**Dennis Politic celebrates scoring for Port Vale.**

7. Which players are you worried about losing in the January Transfer Window?

Lauren responded, “The person I’m scared of losing the most is Tom Conlon. Which is unsurprising, considering the widespread recognition he has recieved from plenty of platforms. Ranging from being given recognition by Paddy Power, by D3D4Football and several fans of other clubs who are all recognising the talent he’s got. He has so much potential to get even better.” The Port Vale skipper’s talent has been recognised by plenty of knowledgeable football minds, it wouldn’t be a surprise, if Tom Conlon was a man in demand in the January transfer window. Port Vale could have a fight trying to keep their skipper, especially if Conlon wants a move away, or if Port Vale are given an offer they simply can’t refuse. Your star players being poached by larger clubs comes with the territory in the lower leagues, and it takes plenty of ambition and a firm approach to keep your star player, as the money offered could make a difference to your club, from a financial point of view.

Lauren continued, “I think Dennis Politic could go back to Bolton, which would be a shame, as plenty of the Port Vale fanbase would love to sign him. But, he could be recalled by Bolton, which is a consequence of signing somebody on loan from another club. Nathan Smith and James Gibbons as well. Those two are quality young players, born and bred in Stoke could go. Both would be a massive loss if either player left. The players I’m scared of us losing the most are Smith, Gibbons and Conlon.” To see several players listed shows how much progress Port Vale have made. Looking at the players mentioned, all of them are 25 or younger, a relatively young age. Dennis Politic is entirely out of Port Vale’s hands, due to Bolton being his parent club. However, Port Vale will certainly be wanting to keep Smith, Gibbons and Conlon. Port Vale will certainly be hoping Smith and Gibbons sign new deals, if they decide to offer the two academy graduates new deals, with both their contracts expiring at the end of the 2021/22 campaign. Tom Conlon’s contract doesn’t expire until the summer of 2024. However, he might be a wanted man in January, so keeping hold of the skipper might be difficult, if the offer is right from another club.

8. Do you think promotion is a real possibility?

Lauren replied, “Promotion is a real possibility for us. We’ve started the season strongly, the last four games in all competitions, we’ve scored 17 goals, only conceding 2. But it’s early days, so it’s too early to say we’ll be getting promoted. It feels strange to be relaxed at this stage of the season. I think we’ll do well this season and promotion is a possibility.” You get the feeling that there is widespread optimism at Port Vale, after years of adversity and turmoil. Darrell Clarke and his team have the Port Vale fans believing again. There is still two thirds of the season left to go, so nothing is anywhere near decided yet. However, after 15 games, Port Vale sit 2nd in the table, 3 points off league leaders, Forest Green Rovers. However, Port Vale have an opportunity to go to the top of League Two, if they beat Bradford City by a two-goal margin as the two sides collide on Sky Sports Football, Saturday the 13th of November, 12pm kick off time. Forest Green’s game against Colchester United has been postponed, due to Colchester having too many players called up for international duty. So Saturday presents an opportunity for Port Vale to climb to the summit of League Two, in front of the Sky cameras. It’s a game that should be challenging, as a win for Bradford sees them temporarily climb into the play-off places. Bradford top the xG league table, where Port Vale sit in 3rd in that exact same table. However, the live league table is what counts as results are more important than data. With both teams in need of a win, for different reasons. This has all the makings of a cracking game of football in front of the Sky cameras, therefore giving off a great advert for League Two football.

Pro Level Academy:

To put both Tom Conlon and Nathan Smith’s contributions not only to Port Vale, but their local community into perspective. Away from their duties at Port Vale, both of them set up their own coaching academy called Pro Level Academy, an academy in Madeley in Newcastle-under-Lyme. An academy designed to help train kids in the local area, aspiring to start their own football careers. The a academy is also designed to help bridge the gap between grassroots and academy football. Nick Ridgway is also a coach for the Pro Level Academy, Nick Ridgway has the UEFA A licence coaching qualification, which is a qualification all managers require, if they want to become a manager for a Premier League club. Nick Ridgway’s qualifications, expertise and an impressive CV will no doubt help both Conlon and Smith as they learn new things while they coach the next generation of local footballers.

The Growth And Rise Of Her Game Too!

For those who might not know who Her Game Too are, it’s a non-profit organisation created by a group of passionate female football supporters who have all joined together to stand up to anybody subjecting them to any uncalled for abuse because of their gender, and to educate people that equality is essential in football, so Her Game Too was formed to tackle sexist abuse, and to raise awareness. Personally I think it’s sad that a small minority of people in today’s society still think it’s okay to ridicule a person based off their gender. So the work Her Game Too do to raise awareness, educate and research is amazing! In turn forming working relationships with football clubs, supporters trusts and the wider community. All this while they campaign to tackle sexism in football and online abuse.

The members of Her Game Too are: Abbie Ackroyd (Rotherham United), Amy Clement (Swansea City), Bobbi Hadgraft (Hull City), Caitlin Bennett (Newport County), Caz May (Bristol Rovers), Emily Drakeley (Birmingham City), Eve Ralph (Bristol City), Hollie Harvey (Arsenal), Izzy Perry (Newport County), Jess Furness (Leeds United), Leah Case (Bristol City), Lucy Ford (Bristol Rovers) and Victoria Wood (Sheffield Wednesday)

For this article, I spoke with Her Game Too member and passionate Swansea City supporter, Amy Clement. I asked Amy a series of questions in regards to the growth of Her Game Too, in a short space of time. Amy done a fantastic job answering the series of questions. Is doing a sensational job as part of Her Game Too, as are all of the team. So, let’s jump into the questions and dive into how Her Game Too came about, how it’s grown so quickly, and the campaign’s long-term aspirations.

1. What inspired you to kickstart the Her Game Too campaign?

Amy responded, “The reason the campaign started in the first place was because I was receiving alot of sexist abuse online. It wasn’t just abuse, it was sexist abuse.” Some of the abusers saying that Amy’s opinion was invalid because she’s a woman, using gender as a reason to deem her opinions on football invalid. Comments on appearance too. So some really nasty bullying. Amy went on to say, “I started to share some of the things I was receiving, on TikTok and on Twitter.” When being subjected to so much vile abuse, it’s not easy to share those horrible messages and to come forward, so Amy is very brave to share those. Football is all about opinions, you disagree but it shouldn’t be used as clout to abuse another person, especially if it’s targeted abuse, because of gender. Amy also said, “Caz (May) reached out to me and said she was struggling with something similar and wanted to do something about it.” That was how Her Game Too started, 12 members originally, with a common goal to try and eradicate sexism in Football.

2. What is Her Game Too all about and your campaign’s ethos?

Amy replied, “Our ethos is making football a place in which women are welcomed and respected equally. Whether that’s the women’s game, female fans, female pundits, female physios. Nobody should go through anything sexist or anything to do with their gender, when it comes to football.” With the female side of football growing and evolving like it is. There is more eyes on women’s football matches, more women landing top punditry jobs, and roles within football clubs, this statement is spot on. For example, Laura Woods and Michelle Owen are two female presenters who are absolutely superb at their job. Amy continued, “Football should be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of where you’re from, what you look like and what gender you are. We just want to make it clear that’s the case. It’s not just a man’s game, it’s not just for men.” Amy explained, “So the idea of the campaign is to create awareness of what’s happening, educate people, do some research into things and to develop a sense of community amongst female fans and women in football, because that’s really powerful.”

3. How many football clubs have announced their support for your campaign, so far?

Amy replied, “We currently have 18 clubs in League One, Two and the Championship who have officially partnered with us. Then there are a whole host of other clubs in the National League, the south leagues and female clubs as well which takes the number to 26. 26 all in, plus grassroots clubs on top.” Notable EFL clubs are, Huddersfield, Peterborough, Millwall, Swansea, Northampton, Bristol Rovers, Port Vale, Plymouth, Tranmere, Exeter City and many more. To see so many football clubs announce their support and partnerships with Her Game Too within just five months of their time as a group is amazing, there is so much time for so many more clubs to follow suit. Personally, I would love for my club, Coventry City to join that list of clubs in showing their support, and to begin a partnership with Her Game Too. It’s something been wanting to happen for some time, hopefully soon that time is very soon, as Her Game Too deserve all the support they can get!

**Fair Game have also shown their support for Her Game Too.**

4. How many Supporters Trusts and other non-profit organisations have shown their support for your campaign, so far?

Amy responded, “We’ve had a really great response from lots of people. So for example, I’m doing alot of work with Proud Swans who are the supporters group for LGBTQ+ supporters of Swansea and we club together in terms of working with the club which has worked out really, really well so far, so that’s really cool.” Amy continued, “We’ve partnered with Leicester City Football Club women’s supporters trust. Everyone’s so keen to get involved. Which is amazing, like Lady Imps which we’ve done some stuff with. We’ve chat to a lady from Women of Watford. We’ve also been doing work with the Diabetes Football Community, a charity who do amazing work for the diabetic community, particularly with football. Fair Game, we have partnered with, looking at the integrity of financial sustainability, regulation of football in the UK.” Both amazing campaigns working together to try and help football become a better place for people than what it currently is. Amy went on to say, “Female Football Fives, which is a women’s five-a-side football league. Awards FC, which is a fantastic organisation we’re working with. They make really cool awards and trophies. They have been giving us a trophy a month to send out to Her Game Too hero which is an amazing thing that they’re doing.”

5. Most favourite thing you have done being part of Her Game Too?

Amy responded, “One will definitely have to be releasing the shirt. That is so exciting, and I can’t wait for people to get them. I can’t wait to develop that side of things as well. Every meeting I have, I enjoy. Every meeting opens up another door, another partnership, an idea, an event. There is not a boring day, ever, which is really good.” Amy continued, “If we announce something, or if we get tagged in things, we see kids in their Her Game Too tops. Everything like that is just incredible, as it just shows how far the message has gone. It shows how far Her Game Too has reached already and we’re only five months old now. I’m really pleased with how it’s all going, and it’s just fantastic.” To see the growth in support for Her Game Too in such a short amount of time, is really so admirable. The campaign is still very young, and it’s already gained so much support. This shows that the ceiling for Her Game Too is so high, that the sky really is the limit for this fantastic set of female supporters who do such a fantastic job. They should all be so proud!

6. How does it feel, knowing Her Game Too has grown so quickly in a short space of time?

Amy replied, “It’s been absolutely unbelievable, I don’t think we knew what could happen. It was a bit of a shock when it started to blow up and not stop either. We haven’t really had a quiet day. We have the odd quiet day here or there, where there’s not much going on. But, otherwise it’s just been full on for five months! It’s a massive part of my life now, even though I’m back working. But I absolutely love it, I can’t complain.” To hear Amy was surprised at how quickly Her Game Too has grown shows how much of an amazing job they have done. A campaign that is still in its youth with many years of growing to do, already being a big deal is really an amazing achievement. It’s become a place, where female football fans feel supported, they can show they’re proud to be football fans, regardless of what anybody might think and they have that safe haven to discuss or talk football, as well as being able to report if they’ve been subject to any abuse on Her Game Too’s website, whether they want to reveal their name, or be anonymous.

**Her Game Too being advertised on the perimeter board at Bristol Rovers’ Memorial Stadium.**

7. What’s the biggest achievement for your campaign so far, in your opinion?

Amy replied, “That’s really hard, I think some of the partnerships with the clubs are massive achievements. I think having a perimeter board at Newport County’s Rodney Parade, that’s just absolutely unbelievable we’ve managed to do that, just being around for five months. It will get better than that, but considering the size of our organisation. It’s a real achievement, that a club is willing to have us on perimeter boards at their ground, for the rest of the season. It’s just amazing!” To know that Newport County have a advertised Her Game Too on their perimeter board already really is an amazing achievement for a very young organisation that is still expanding in its size. Seeing that Bristol Rovers have done it as well, the support is very strong. Hopefully next season, we begin to see Her Game Too plastered over more perimeter boards, in more football stadiums across the UK, showing how much Her Game Too is continuing to grow.

8. What are Her Game Too’s goals for the short, and long-term?

Amy replied, “Short-term is continuing to partner with clubs, organisations, spreading awareness, getting our name out there, featuring on more podcasts. Getting the name as far as we can get it.” Short-term, it’s still continuing the same progress they’ve shown, expanding the number of clubs and organisations to partner with as well as crucially spreading more awareness. So more people are able to come forward, if they’re unfortunately being subject to sexist abuse, or knowing there is a group who will support them in being proud they’re football fans. As for the long-term. Amy continued, “Long-term is a whole other thing. We want to look at the education side of things. We want to look at workshops, we want to look at modules which can be taught in schools. We are so keen to get a workshop put together, which can be taken round schools. Which, you know what football foundations do. Something along those lines would be absolutely incredible. Then developing the partnerships even more, at the moment, it’s a raising awareness thing. But we would love it to become a more integral part of the clubs. The big aim is looking at the Premier League clubs, and how we might be able to infiltrate them, to get the message across within those clubs. Whether that might mean working with the FA, the EFL, with the Premier League. That’s definitely something we’re looking at, long-term and how to make it a bigger part of what is the football industry, as it is.” Amy went on to say in the meantime, Her Game Too will continue to do what they’re doing and keep working towards bigger goals. Hopefully in time, the bigger goals become to come through, as well.

Conclusion:

It’s now established that Her Game Too is one of the fastest rising groups out there right now, and with perfectly good reason. It’s upsetting that a minority of people find it okay to abuse, ridicule or bully somebody, because of their gender. So the work the girls from Her Game Too do to help raise awareness, and to educate is fantastic. On top, forming partnerships with so many football clubs, with potentially more working relationships possibly being formed very soon. The girls from Her Game Too should be so proud of themselves for forming together to help female football supporters feel safer in regards to discussing the beautiful game. As at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what your gender is. Football should be able to be enjoyed by everybody. Quite frankly, so many female football fans know the game just as well, sometimes even more than the men. Football isn’t a ‘men’s game’, it’s for everyone. Women’s Football is constantly growing, to the point they’re landing TV deals, you are seeing more female pundits and presenters on your TV screens. It should be welcomed with open arms, as diversity is always a good thing. As football continues to evolve in more ways than one, expect to see more females landing coaching jobs, physio jobs, presenting and punditry jobs. Also refereeing jobs, as Rebecca Welch made history last season, becoming the first female referee to officiate a league match, as she officiated a League Two fixture between Harrogate Town and Port Vale on the 5th of April 2021, as Port Vale defeated Harrogate Town 2-0.

5 Surprise Striker Gems In The EFL after 10+ Games.

What makes the EFL leagues, the Championship, League One and League Two so popular is the consistent element of surprise. The leagues always have you on the edge of your seat, providing a massive dose of catharsis. You sometimes get surprise top scorers at the early stages of a new season. There’s always this question whether these players can retain their form throughout the season, or whether it’s an early flash on the pan, similar to how a striker can start off slowly, before scoring their goals later on. However, we’re looking at who are my 5 surprising strikers across the Championship, League One and League Two who’ve started the campaign extremely well.

**Viktor Gyökeres celebrates his goal against Fulham.**

1. Viktor Gyökeres – Coventry City

Probably the biggest surprise in all the football league. 12 months ago, Viktor Gyökeres had been enduring a forgettable loan spell at Swansea City where confidence appeared to be rock bottom. Fast forward those 12 months Viktor Gyökeres has scored 9 goals in 11 games, scoring a goal every 103 minutes. Since signing permanently, Gyökeres has looked a different beast. He’s looked even bigger, stronger, and faster. He’s bullied players with his strength, he’s done them on pace, and has excellent dribbling qualities. Gyökeres has arguably been the best striker in the Championship, certainly up there with Aleksandar Mitrovic and Ben Brereton Diaz. Gyökeres has blossomed in a strike partnership with Martyn Waghorn, showing he can work well with Matty Godden as well. Last time out, Matty Godden performed the “necessary evil” while Gyökeres was the hero in Coventry’s 4-1 mauling of promotion favourites, Fulham. As a result of Gyökeres’ sensational start to the new campaign, Viktor Gyökeres will be making his return to the Sweden squad for the first time in over 2 years after Zlatan Ibrahimovic had to pull out of the Sweden squad. Sweden prepare to face Kosovo and Greece as they look to put themselves to the top of Group B, ahead of current leaders, Spain. Coventry have been sensational to watch, and Gyökeres is a massive reason why. No manager in the football league has done a better job with their club than what Mark Robins has done. Four years ago, Coventry were losing at home to Forest Green Rovers, now their star striker is part Sweden’s national team. Any Coventry City fans dare to dream the impossible?

**Ryan Hardie celebrates his goal against Portsmouth.**

2. Ryan Hardie – Plymouth Argyle

Next up is Rangers academy graduate, Ryan Hardie. Before coming to England, Hardie was playing his trade in Scotland. Although Hardie didn’t fully make the grade at Ibrox; he did enjoy plenty of successful loan spells in the Scottish second division. Finding his best success during two different loan stints at Livingston where he scored 15 goals in 37 appearances for the lions in those combined loan spells. A move to Blackpool didn’t quite work, but it’s Plymouth where Hardie has been allowed to develop as a footballer where he has had two and a half seasons to form a very effective partnership with teammate, Luke Jephcott. Last season, Hardie had 5 goals, 6 assists in 43 games. To my surprise, Hardie has started the campaign as the main talisman with 8 goals in 11 games, while Jephcott has still scored a good 4 goals in 11. A strike partnership which has helped Plymouth climb to the sharon end of League One, two points off Wigan and Sunderland who sit in the automatic promotion places. Hardie has always been a talented player. However, he’s on this list, as I was expecting Luke Jephcott to be the main talisman for the Pilgrims while Hardie is the reliable backup. However, the roles have been the opposite so far, and massive credit for Hardie. If this carries over all the way through the season, Championship football could be knocking on the door of the impressive 24 year old Scot.

**Jamie Proctor celebrates Port Vale’s win over league leaders, Forest Green.**

3. Jamie Proctor – Port Vale

Jamie Proctor endured a difficult stint at Rotherham United. In his last two seasons, he had 4 loan spells at 4 different clubs where he scored a lowly 5 goals in 46 games. Port Vale had a massive clear out in the summer, including the departure of club legend, Tom Pope. Darrell Clarke felt he needed to take some risks in order to bolster his squad for this season. Jamie Proctor was signed to a one-year deal. A gamble considering the last few years were very forgettable. However, Jamie Proctor has had spark lit inside of him since signing with the Valiants. His career seemed like it was smouldering ashes, but now it’s been turned into a raging inferno. In his first 10 games, Proctor has scored 5 goals, matching his combined tally from those forgettable loan spells, and Proctor could even have a few more, still. Port Vale moving to two up top has worked, and it suits Proctor perfectly, as Proctor works better with a strike partner. Usually Proctor’s job is to be the target man who holds up play to bring others to the game, the Emile Heskey to the strike partner’s Michael Owen. However, Proctor hasn’t minded doing the job of Owen, scoring goals. He scored a very crucial goal at the weekend when Port Vale scored two late goals to beat Leyton Orient 3-2 to climb into the automatic promotion places. Darrell Clarke took a gamble on Proctor and it’s been paying off. Proctor has gone from washed up journeyman, to Vale’s Grim Reaper. Nobody would blame Darrell Clarke if he’s trying to sign Proctor to a longer contract, I’m sure Vale fans will agree with that sentiment. Having survived the reign of terror of Norman Smurthwaite, now in good hands under Carol Shanahan. Port Vale and their fans deserve something to celebrate, is promotion on the cards? Is Jamie Proctor the man to lead his Valiant comrades to League One with his goals?

**Cole Stockton celebrates for Morecambe.**

4. Cole Stockton – Morecambe

Morecambe have had a good start to life in League One, it’s an incredible achievement for a club the size of Morecambe and top credit to them, it’s well deserved. Morecambe have added plenty of excitement to League One, with 38 goals already scored in their first 11 games. Morecambe have scored 20, and conceded 18. Morecambe could very well be in the play-offs had they not been on the receiving end of 3-4 defeats to Wimbledon and Wycombe in the two seven-goal thrillers. Cole Stockton hasn’t really been prolific in his career. However, Morecambe has turned that around. Scoring 13 goals in 43 games while The Shrimps were promoted to League One, and now Stockton has taken League One by storm, scoring 9 goals already in 11 games. Signing a new two-year deal has only galvanised Stockton. Last season, Paul Mullin ended up having a 30+ goal campaign for Cambridge in League Two, despite never being prolific. Could Cole Stockton have a similar success story? There’s definitely no reason why he can’t aim to hit the magic 20 goal mark, at least. Especially if Morecambe keep having exciting matches with high scoring thrillers!

**Shayne Lavery celebrates his goal against Millwall.**

5. Shayne Lavery – Blackpool.

Shayne Lavery is a prime example of Blackpool manager, Neil Critchley knowing a young talent when he sees one, going back to his days as a coach in Liverpool’s youth setup. A graduate in Everton’s academy, Lavery struggled to make the grade with the Toffees. However, he made Linfield his playground in the two seasons he was in Northern Ireland. Lavery scored a staggering 44 goals in 73 games for Linfield, he was getting call ups for the Northern Ireland, as well. Blackpool knowing they don’t have the budget to sign ready made Championship strikers, they took a gamble on Lavery, especially as he was a free transfer. It’s paying off, Lavery has scored 5 goals in 11 league games, 7 in all competitions, surprisingly being Blackpool’s early talisman while last season’s star man, Jerry Yates is finding his feet in the Championship.The Northern Ireland international has 9 caps to his name, with 1 goal. If he keeps impressing for the Tangerines, more will certainly be coming his way. Factoring in how huge the step up the Championship is, relative to the Northern Irish top flight, Shayne Lavery has done a sensational job, and it should not go unnoticed. Blackpool have comfortably been the stand out newly promoted side, as they sit in an impressive 12th position after 11 games, just 3 points off the play-offs. There is an awful long way to go yet. But it can’t be denied that Neil Critchley is doing a magnificent job with the Tangerines. Blackpool could still fall into that relegation dogfight, but I think they have enough to stay up, I think they’ll finish lower mid table. Lavery I think will end the season with around 10-14 goals, and could push for 15+, if he gets a bit of luck.

10+ Games In – Coventry City 8 Summer Signings Graded

11 games have gone, Coventry City are absolutely flying! 7 wins from 11 games, including a superb 100% home record as Coventry City have won 6 out of a possible 6 home games, following their return to the Ricoh (now Coventry Building Society) Arena. In this article, I’m going to grade the signings so far.

1. Viktor Gyökeres

Usually the main event is the last on the card, but on this occasion I’m too excited to dive in. The signing of Viktor Gyökeres, it divided opinion. However, the “12 million” signing. Swedish Krona that is, £1 million in sterling, has proven to be a bargain. Viktor Gyökeres has been an absolutely revelation, considering where he was last year, it’s a wonderful turnaround. Gyökeres has formed an excellent strike partnership with Martyn Waghorn in the early stages, he’s shown he can also work with Matty Godden and Tyler Walker, also. He’s looked stronger, and faster. He’ll bully you with his strength, outpace you as well, then dribble past you like a tricky winger, Gyökeres has the 5th highest 1 vs 1 dribble success tally, only 3 behind teammate, Callum O’Hare.

I don’t think many expected Viktor Gyökeres to bring back the goal scoring form he had in his locker when tearing apart the Swedish 2nd division, though. His most prolific campaign was in the 16/17 season where he netted 13 goals, assisted 8 times in 29 games for Brommapojkama. Gyökeres is already only 4 goals away from matching his best professional league goal tally, having already matched his goal involvement total from his loan at St Pauli. Gyökeres insane form has earnt him a return to the Sweden squad, as the Blågult look to secure a place in the 2022 World Cup. Gyökeres is a last minute call up, after Zlatan Ibrahimovic withdrew from the squad. It begs the question if Gyökeres will feature in any of the qualifiers. However, it can’t be denied that training with one of the most exciting young strikers in Spanish Football, Alexander Isak will help Viktor learn a few tips.

Final Grade – A+ – first name on the Coventry City teamsheet, and has returned to the Sweden national team.

**Simon Moore celebrates victory vs Middlesbrough.**

2. Simon Moore

After parting ways from Sheffield United, having spent his final years as understudy to England International, Dean Henderson, and the promising Aaron Ramsdale. Simon Moore signed with Coventry City, agreeing a three year deal following Marko Marosi’s move to Shrewsbury Town. Despite being a number 2 in his last few years, Simon Moore has been a breath of fresh air between the sticks. The defence have shown great improvement in their own right. But trust between goalkeeper and defence is vital, and it’s no coincidence that having somebody like Simon Moore in goal has helped the defence. A safe pair of hands, and very commanding in the box. Not afraid to catch crosses. Two of those traits, Marko Marosi lacked. Now 31, Simon Moore is an older head, but still with plenty in the tank. A young Tom Billson in the long-term could learn so much from Moore’s experience. Moore has made some excellent saves when called upon. Moore could easily be one of those players who might not get enough credit, and I think that’s wrong. Moore has played a huge role in the defence improving like they have.

Final grade: A – safe pair of hands, incredibly consistent and has helped make a defence to going from looking decent, to an extremely well organised unit.

**Ben Sheaf in action for Coventry during his loan spell.**

3. Ben Sheaf

Like Viktor Gyökeres, Ben Sheaf upgraded his loan into a permanent, costing a reported £750,000. Ben Sheaf had his highs and lows last season. But it was all a learning curve. Ben Sheaf is like marmite to the Coventry City fanbase, you love him or you hate him. But to be frankly honest, he is so under appreciated it’s criminal. There are so many things that Ben Sheaf does so well, but is not talked about enough. His defensive work is very under appreciated. Ben Sheaf has the 10th highest defensive duel tally in the Championship, 3rd in the Coventry squad behind Ian Maatsen and Callum O’Hare. Ben Sheaf has struggled to permanently make one of the central midfield positions his own. However, it’s clear he’s been unlucky, as he didn’t deserve dropping. Jamie Allen performed admirably, providing an extra dose of bite on the counter attack. It’s hard to compare Ben Sheaf and Jamie Allen though, because they’re both different types of midfielder, and both suit different types of games. Ben Sheaf has been absolutely superb since signing permanently, and deserves more credit than he gets. Sheaf is rough around the edges still, but is quickly moulding himself as a very good Championship midfielder. Sheaf has the highest forward pass rate out of Coventry City’s squad, with 42% of his passes going forward. Not bad for someone who’s seen as a bit pragmatic.

Final grade: B – been an excellent signing, looks sharper, and fitter, has the odd mistake, but recovers from them. Needs to make the defensive midfield berth his own on a more consistent basis.

**“Waggy” celebrates his goal against Middlesbrough.**

4. Martyn Waghorn

Signing for the Sky Blues upon parting ways with Derby County. Waghorn has been an unsung hero, in my opinion. Martyn Waghorn hasn’t been the old clinical goalscorer that Rangers, Ipswich and Derby fans grew to love. However, despite only having 1 goal, 1 assist in his first 9 games, it’s been incredibly misleading. Viktor Gyökeres has eaten up the plaudits, and rightfully so. However, Waghorn has been a very good Emile Heskey to Gyökeres’ Michael Owen. It took Waghorn a bit of time to find his feet, but in the last few games, he’s been showing his importance to the side. He’s not the clinical Waghorn that the Championship enjoyed watching, but he’s evidently still a good Championship striker. Waghorn should still have little to no issue scoring around 6-9 goals, although don’t be too surprised if Waghorn assisted more than he scored, similar to Gyökeres, “Waggy” can be creative. Don’t be too surprised if Waghorn gets a few from the spot or from a free kick.

Final grade: B – good strike partner for Gyökeres, excellent movement, causes defenders problems, knows how to draw fouls in dangerous areas. Wish he was more clinical, but on his day, you’d back Waghorn to score those crucia

**Ian Maatsen in action for Coventry City**

5. Ian Maatsen

First of two players signing on loan from Chelsea, Ian Maatsen has enjoyed an good start to the campaign with Coventry. Ian Maatsen has handled the step up to the Championship from League One very well, having being on loan at Charlton Athletic last season. You can see the areas where he’s a bit raw, but you can see areas where he is extremely good. Ian Maatsen has absolutely blossomed when it comes to his tackling. His tackling has been excellent, like his defensive contribution. Exciting going forward as well. There are a couple of weaknesses though, tracking back and positioning, he can be a bit suspect, he has been caught out a few times, his discipline could do with some improvement, at least Gustavo Hamer has a partner in crime though when to comes to enjoying a booking. However, that’s why he’s on loan and not in Chelsea’s first team yet. However, even those weaknesses are progressively improving. On the whole, considering it’s his first season in the Championship. He’s done a fantastic job. That goal against Fulham, he’s already won goal of the month and October has just started.

Final grade: B – Was going to be a low end B, but that would’ve been harsh. Maatsen has been sensational as a wing back. Consistently improving, involved in Holland’s youth setup. There are areas Maatsen needs to improve on still. His potential is scary. Improve on his weaknesses and he’ll be graded an A with no issue.

**Jake Clarke-Salter in action, battling Elijah Adebayo.**

6. Jake Clarke-Salter

The second Chelsea loanee. Jake Clarke-Salter had three Championship stints, one with Sunderland and two with Birmingham City. A capable hand at Championship level, Clarke-Salter has helped the back 3 become more organised, courtesy of being left footed, and having some pace for a centre half, an area where Dominic Hyam, Kyle McFadzean and Michael Rose struggle with. Clarke-Salter has proven to be a solid addition, also not being afraid to occasionally overlap Ian Maatsen on the left flank, not afraid to move forward. With expansive mature also comes great risk. There has been a few occasions where he’s caught out. However, the benefit of having pace means he’s able to recover from those errors. Apart from that game where Elijah Adebayo made life extremely difficult. However, Clarke-Salter has shown he’s a solid Championship player as a whole, and has definitely strengthened the side in defence. With his contract expiring at Stamford Bridge, the Sky Blues might be looking to bring the centre half in, on a permanent basis if he does well this season. Only 24, there is time for Coventry to unlock that extra potential he possesses.

Final grade: B – Clarke-Salter just about gets a B, in my opinion. Been very solid on the whole, and has strengthened the defence, adding that different dynamic. A few parts need improvement but definitely a good signing, and a player that would be a great permanent signing. The fact his signing has improved the defence has to be the contributing factor as to why he’s got a B.

**Todd Kane post match applauding the fans after the game against Millwall.**

7. Todd Kane

Signing on deadline day after being deemed surplus to requirements at QPR, Todd Kane adds a backup option in both the right and left wing back roles. With Josh Reid not quite ready to jump into the first team, and Julien Dacosta not being at the required standard. Todd Kane was brought in to provide needed competition for both Fankaty Dabo and Ian Maatsen. Making 5 appearances so far, Todd Kane has shown he’s definitely a capable player at Championship level, having over 150 league appearances to his name. Todd Kane has proven to be a good backup option. The concern is the lack of discipline, as that was the problem at his last club. However, it’s been a fresh start for Kane and the wing back roles are less of a concern with him on the payroll. It begs the question as to whether we’ll see Kane come off the bench often, or only on occasions. There is doubting that he’ll be an important squad player across the season, in the three games Dabo was suspended, he proved a capable player, the 5-0 Luton thrashing aside. With Maatsen suspended for the game against Blackburn, Kane will be called upon to fill in during Maatsen’s unfortunate absence.

Final grade – C – Todd Kane has definitely proven to be a capable player when called upon. But only playing 5 games, we haven’t got a full idea of how good he really is, granted he’s had a strong start. But given he’s seen as more of a backup option and only made 5 appearances, I can’t give him anything more than a C, I’m afraid. Still a solid signing!

**Bright Enobakhare celebrates scoring away at Sunderland.**

8. Bright Enobakhare

Returning to Coventry City following a stint in India with East Bengal. Bright Enobakhare is hands down the weirdest signing Coventry City made in the summer. In my opinion, Coventry City shouldn’t have gone anywhere near him, as young gems like Scott Twine were available before Twine for example was signed by MK. However, Mark Robins has been successful because of the risks he’s taken along the way. So you always have the trust the “gaffer’s” judgement on Bright signing, so it would also be unfair for anyone to completely write him off. Bright’s brightest moment in his career was that loan spell at Coventry, where he scored six goals in 18 games. However, his loan spell is completely irrelevant to the now. That was then. At the moment, Bright is incredibly unfit, he also not in the ideal body shape. So in the meantime, Bright is currently a regular fixture in the under 23 side, while also working to get into the required body shape, something that can take months to do. It could be until Christmas or the new year until you see Bright Enobakhare in the first team fold. Understandable, but also worrying as one of Coventry’s weaknesses are a lack of a backup option in attacking midfield, if Callum O’Hare was going to be injured. A fully fit Bright likely is that backup option. In the meantime, I think a Callum O’Hare injury would trigger a formation change, due to there not being a strong backup option available while Bright works to get to the required fitness levels.

Final grade: N/A – Bright Enobakhare could easily become an excellent signing. In terms of footballing ability, Bright Enobakhare has buckets of it. But there are several obstacles in the way at the moment. Expectations for Bright need to be kept very low for now, Bright realistically is a long way away from being in the first team while unfit, if he does, it might take a few games to find a rhythm, but realistically, it’s hard to see him break in, as Callum O’Hare is one of Coventry’s most integral players.

The Rise Of The “Super Swede” – Viktor Gyökeres

Coventry City have had another successful summer recruitment drive, relative to their limited finances. Signing the likes of Martyn Waghorn, Simon Moore, Ben Sheaf, Ian Maatsen and Jake Clarke-Salter. However, once signing that’s particularly stood out is the signing of Swedish striker, Viktor Gyökeres. The Swedish forward was on loan at Coventry last season, which included a heroic winner away to Stoke, which resulted in Coventry City’s survival. A move that got off to a rocky start, but one that ended very strongly. That loan move has become permanent for a fee of around £1 million. A move so far that is proving to be a bargain. Seven games gone, Viktor Gyökeres has started the campaign very brightly, with 4 goals, and 2 assists, with a Sweden call up more than possible for the 23 year old forward. Viktor Gyökeres is quite possibly the first name on the team sheet at the moment. A player with both power and pace, add in the dribbling quality, you have yourself a complete striker. Defenders have struggled to deal with him this season so far.

In this article, we start with Gyökeres’ difficult loan spell at Swansea City, what was different at Coventry City, how he’s become one of Coventry City’s most integral players in Mark Robins’ squad and we go through exactly what Viktor Gyökeres offers to this Coventry City side.

**Viktor Gyökeres in action for Swansea City.**

Viktor’s struggles in Wales:

Before we go into Viktor Gyökeres’ run with Coventry, you have to start with Swansea. At the start of the 2020/21 season, Gyökeres signed for Swansea on loan from Brighton, following an impressive loan spell with St Pauli the season before. However, Viktor’s first Championship spell was a complete write-off. Whether that’s due to Swansea under Steve Cooper played a style that didn’t tailor to Gyökeres’ strengths, playing put of position. It’s unknown, but he never looked like trouble Jamal Lowe and Andre Ayew for their places. Gyökeres only made 11 league appearances, with only two starts. It would take an effect on his confidence.

**Gyökeres in action for Coventry against Birmingham.**

Gyökeres joins Coventry on loan:

Despite Gyökeres struggles in South Wales, Coventry City were in need of a striker, following an injury crisis; and Gyökeres had just been recalled by Brighton. So Coventry gave Viktor Gyökeres a second bite of the cherry at Championship football, signing him on loan for the rest of the season. Gyökeres was likely seen by Coventry fans as a temporary fix, then would be a forgotten loan which you’d be asked about in a pub quiz. But little did we know how integral he’d become today. In his second start, he would score his first goal for Coventry City, in a 2-0 win against Sheffield Wednesday. However, it wouldn’t do much to improve his confidence. Gyökeres was still suffering from a lack of confidence, as his loan spell didn’t start particularly well. Consequently, Gyökeres went on a four-game spell where he didn’t play. International duty couldn’t come soon enough for Big Vik.

**Viktor Gyökeres celebrates with Leo Østigård.**

Will the real Viktor Gyökeres please stand up:

The international break happened. While Coventry’s first team didn’t have any football to play. The under 23 side did. So Viktor Gyökeres was selected to play in the U23 squad and performed very well, scoring himself a brace. This caught the eye of Mark Robins, as once the international break was over, he was straight back into his plans. Gyökeres would make his return in a 3-0 defeat against QPR, where he would impress. Then came one his second goal of the season, in an emphatic 3-1 win over Bristol City. A sign Gyökeres has some of his form back. Then followed strong cameos against Bournemouth, Rotherham and Barnsley. Viktor Gyökeres just looked so much more confident.

**Viktor Gyökeres becomes Coventry’s saviour.**

Super Swede slays Stoke to ensure Coventry’s survival:

Next came a crucial midweek game against Stoke City, in Stoke-on-Trent. A tough place to go for any football club. In a five-goal thriller. Coventry played with no fear, and it was Viktor Gyökeres coming off the bench, who was Coventry City’s hero. This was where Gyökeres became a fan favourite. While the Preston game officially ensured the Sky Blues’ survival. It was more or less secured in Stoke. Gyökeres’ performances were rewarded. Gyökeres would end the season, starting the last 3 games of the season, putting in strong performances. Viktor Gyökeres ended the season, as the first choice striker, and deservedly so. Gyökeres scored 3 goals in 19 appearances. However, his contributions at the end of the season were far greater than what the overall stats suggest. That was when I said, it’s time to get rid of Maxime Biamou, because Viktor Gyökeres should be the man going forward. Gyökeres deserved to be signed permanently by Coventry.

**Viktor Gyökeres celebrates his goal against Blackpool.**

Big Vik signs permanently:

Mark Robins was very impressed that he ended up signing Gyökeres on a permanent deal, an undisclosed reported to be 12 million Swedish Krona, £1 million in British currency. The highest fee Coventry City have paid for a striker, since Freddie Eastwood. With Maxime Biamou and Amadou Bakayoko gone. Gyökeres and Martyn Waghorn were brought in to replace the two. Gyökeres signed a three-year deal, the main sign that the club have an investment in you. So far, it’s been paying off. Gyökeres has looked stronger, faster, fitter and meaner.

**Viktor Gyökeres celebrates his goal against Cardiff City.**

Being the most integral player in the squad:

Yes, I said it. In the first seven games of the season, Gyökeres has been Coventry City’s most integral player, with Simon Moore and Callum O’Hare. Viktor Gyökeres has barely put a foot wrong this season. In the early stages, the defining moment is Blackpool away. The game before against Barnsley, where he missed a late penalty. He shown his amazing mentality by putting in a superb, dominant display. A game where Gyökeres. Viktor Gyökeres in just 7 games has beaten his tally from last season. Gyökeres has 4 already and it’s still only early days. If you have more physical strength, Gyökeres will beat you with his pace, if you’re a player with pace, he’ll beat you with strength. Viktor runs the channels, and dribbles the ball very well. His dribbling being one of his big strengths. Within 6 months, Viktor Gyökeres has gone from a potential loanee everyone will forget about, to one of Coventry City’s most integral players in their current squad.

Expectations for the rest of the season:

To keep a level head on things; a good start doesn’t guarantee success will carry on, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. While it’s easy to get carried away, it’s important Gyökeres shows this is on merit, not an early season flash in the pan. So really, the expectation for Gyökeres is to have this levels of performance throughout the season. Should Gyökeres do that, dare I say that the young Swede has all the potential to surpass over 15 goals, and might get a fair few assists, too. However, it’s still early days, but Gyökeres is quickly proving to be one of the best all round strikers in the Championship, especially based off his current form. If his current form shows anything, a return to Sweden squad might not be far away, scoring regular goals in the Championship and only being 23, a Sweden call up is 100% a massive possibility for Gyökeres. The objectives for Gyökeres this season, in my opinion has to be this. Firstly, aim for 15 league goals or higher, 4 goals in 7 games early on, it’s definitely possible. Secondly, get himself selected for the Sweden squad before the end of the 2021/22 season. With the level of performances he’s shown so far, there is so much potential for Gyökeres to even improve That’s the scary thing for opposition players. Viktor Gyökeres is still only 23, he still has plenty of time to fine tune, and massively improve his game. Coventry City is definitely the right place for Gyökeres at the moment.