Pros and Cons of Coventry City’s season to date.

Coventry City have had a very harsh reality check in the first quarter of the season. 11 games in, the Sky Blues have only picked up 8 points. The Sky Blues will feel they deserve a better points tally than they currently have, sat 21st albeit fortunate not to be in the relegation zone, due to Sheffield Wednesday’s points deduction, which was recently halved from 12 points to just a 6 point deduction. So let’s pin point the positives and negatives of the campaign so far.

PROS:

Potential:

The Sky Blues’ business model is well known for signing young talents with sell-on value after development. This is the case this season, with a majority of their squad being the age of 25 or under. There are plenty of talents who fall under that category at the Sky Blues, Michael Rose, Dominic Hyam, Fankaty Dabo, Gustavo Hamer, Ben Sheaf, Tyler Walker and Callum O’Hare. The talent stems from the club’s prospects too. Declan Drysdale, Josh Eccles and Will Bapaga all tipped to be big prospects in the future. It’s clear the Sky Blues aren’t short of up and coming talent.

Gustavo Hamer:

Gustavo Hamer has settled into the English game rather quickly, becoming a crucial player for the Sky Blues in their bid for Championship survival. The 23 year old signed a three-year deal after joining from PEC Zwolle for a reported fee of £1.35m which seems like it was a bargain for Coventry. Hamer has created 3 chances a game on average with 24 key passes. 2nd in the Championship only behind Norwich City star, Emiliano Buendia. The Dutch-Brazilian is a bit of a hothead and does love a booking. But with that aggression also comes great ability, with more development Hamer can only get stronger.

**Godden celebrates his 4th goal of the season against Reading**

Matty Godden’s Championship return:

Believe it or not, Matty Godden played Championship football 10 years before his return with Coventry this season. Godden has proven to be the key contributor to 50% of Coventry’s goals so far this season. Godden has been involved in 6 out of 12 league goals Coventry have scored this season with Godden scoring 4 himself and assisting twice. With Tyler Walker recently being signed, it was crucial for Godden to start the season well, which he’s done. With Robins recently reverting to two strikers up front. A Godden/Walker partnership seems likely very soon.

Flashes of promise:

Contrary to the Sky Blues’ tough start to the season. They’ve not looked out of their depth at Championship level. There has a been a fair few promising performances, albeit with a lack of reward. Coventry have claimed two wins against QPR as well as league leaders, Reading but so far it’s as good as it’s got for Coventry. However, it may not be all doom and gloom. More good performances with mistakes being cut out. The Sky Blues could soon be winning games more often.

CONS:

Game management:

Game management recently has been a big problem for the Sky Blues. Especially in the final 15 minutes of games. Defeats to Bristol City, Nottingham Forest and Watford have all come as a result of conceding goals in the final 15 minutes of games. Bristol City was from a lapse of concentration from a set-peice with the other two incidents coming from fouls in the box which contributed to a penalty being given to the opponent. Middlesbrough was another game where goals in the last part of the game where Coventry would’ve been happy with a 0-0 draw. That already gives Coventry an extra 4 points, 4 points come May which could be the difference between survival and relegation.

Lack of experience:

Having a young squad is never a bad thing, as Coventry themselves have shown. It’s an obvious sign one eye is focussed on the club’s long-term future. Where it becomes an issue, however, is if the inexperience is leading to poor decision making in games which therefore costs the team valuable points in the league table. It becomes something that needs addressing. Coventry are cash strapped compared to the other clubs in the Championship. But I feel Coventry need extra experience in January, maybe wheeling and dealing to fund the signings of the experienced players is the answer to help Coventry ensure survival.

Budget:

Coventry have one of the smallest budgets in the Championship this season, maybe even the smallest. So getting experienced players for example is more difficult for them, unlike an established Championship side who has been in the Championship long enough to carve a more competitive budget to compete. Coventry have to go into cheaper markets like the foreign, loan and free agent markets. In addition, Coventry need to sell their other pros as to why a player should join. This is a difficult task to pull off, when the player is used to much higher wages.

Injuries, suspensions and a positive Coronavirus case:

Coventry since their return to the Championship have hit constant injury problems which hasn’t allowed them to field their strongest side in the Championship as of yet. Fankaty Dabo, Julien Dacosta, Michael Rose, Jordan Shipley and Matty Godden are 6 players to be hit with injury trouble which caused them to miss games. Add in Gustavo Hamer’s 3 match for violent conduct as well as Michael Rose’s red card against Blackburn. Finally, Tyler Walker earlier this season tested positive for COVID-19 which caused him to miss up to 2 weeks of football. Jordan Shipley was also out for 14 days after coming into close contact with somebody who had the virus. Shipley tested negative, thankfully. If Coventry can keep their injuries to a bare minimum for the rest of the season; that can only help their survival bid.

Why Coventry should target Keane Lewis-Potter for the present and future.

Hull City have been enjoying a fruitful start to League One since their relegation from the Championship, after a miserable season where the Tigers lost “Star Man” Jarrod Bowen and “Turbo” Kamil Grosicki. Add in the turmoil off the pitch with fans at war with the Allam family who own Hull City. Unfortunately Hull went from being a comfortable mid table side to finishing rock bottom. This gave opportunities to new signing Mallik Wilks who’s become a crucial part of Hull’s side, since the departures of Bowen and Grosicki, it also gave young prospect Keane Lewis-Potter a chance to shine.

**Keane Lewis-Potter celebrating his goal against Birmingham City.**

The 2019/20 season saw Keane Lewis-Potter slowly integrated into the first team yielding 21 league appearances, scoring twice. A successful season for Lewis-Potter individually. League One would become a blessing in disguise for Keane Lewis-Potter as his great start to the season will suggest. The 19 year old has netted 4 times already this season in 12 games. Lewis-Potter has shown to be a crucial part of a front 3 involving Northern Ireland international, Josh Magennis and Mallik Wilks. Wilks is quickly showing why he’s one of the best players in League One and arguably should still be a Championship player.

Why should Coventry sign him?

Coventry City’s recruitment model is one of development. The model is the club signing younger players who have room to develop, then be sold on for a profit to keep the club stable financially. The model has given young up and coming talent a platform to develop their skills as well as their attributes before moving on to bigger and better things. Coventry have also benefited. A great recruitment team as well as a messiah like manager in Mark Robins has turned a once dying club, now resurgent after a phoenix rose through the ashes. Keane Lewis-Potter in my opinion would benefit hugely at a club like Coventry.

Youth and potential:

Keane Lewis-Potter is still only 19, with well over a decade of football ahead of him to make his mark. KLP’s young age already makes him a potential at Coventry, Lewis-Potter has shown he doesn’t look out of place at Championship level when he was playing for Hull last season in the 2nd tier. Lewis-Potter has already shown he can do okay at that level, and instantly becomes an option. The potential is massive.

Versatility:

One thing Mark Robins likes in his players is for them to be versatile, incase they’re required to play out of their natural position. Sam McCallum is a current example, playing Right Wing Back during Fankaty Dabo’s absence despite being a Left Wing Back. Keane Lewis-Potter has shown to be versatile already, being capable to play on the left wing, as well as being deployed as a striker. This also suits Coventry; this would give Mark Robins plenty of options as to how he would want to utilise the 19 year old. It must be made clear Robins doesn’t play with wingers, he plays with two attacking midfielders behind the striker, but that shouldn’t be a problem for KLP as he would have the freedom to play as an inside forward, or an old fashioned Winger if required. Of course, Lewis-Potter can be used as a striker, too.

An eye for goal:

In his youth and professional career, Keane Lewis-Potter has shown to be the complete forward, despite his lack of size. When being deployed up front, he’s had success playing off the last defender, beating them in a sprint before a nice cold finish to put games out of sight. When deployed wide he’s am so shown an ability to cut in to get shots away, his aim is always to score goals. His best trait is his poaching instincts, a very intelligent finisher for his age due to the positions he gets himself in. This has allowed him to be strong in the air, having the intelligence to lose his marker, as well as feed off second balls from set-peices to grab a goal to turn a game around. The raw attributes are already there for KLP to do great. But the potential to make all of those attributes that much better is endless.

Is there hope for Gervane Kastaneer yet?

Gervane Kastaneer joined the Sky Blues on the 20th of June 2019 signing from NAC Breda for an undisclosed fee, agreeing a three-year deal. Before his time at Coventry; Kastaneer was carving a career in the Netherlands with relative success, with the 2015/16 and 2016/17 seasons showing promise with a loan spell at FC Eindhoven, before breaking into Ado Den Haag’s first team. Around this time, Kastaneer was climbing the ranks of the Dutch youth setup playing the Holland U19, U20 and U21 sides, before opting to become a Curaçao international in 2018 who he has 3 caps for. In that time, Kastaneer moved to Germany to play for Kaiserslatern, which didn’t yield too much success before a failed stint at NAC Breda back in Holland.

Kastaneer’s signing was always a gamble, having to adapt to English football but pre-season showed alot of promise for the then 23 year old Dutch winger. Kastaneer would have a minor set back suffering a minor injury in pre-season which would make him miss the first few games at the start of the season. Kastaneer would make an instant impact in this league debut coming off as a substitute scoring against Bristol Rovers, a belter of a goal.

Unfortunately it was as good as it got for Kastaneer. A few days later, Kastaneer would see red against Portsmouth after a violent slide tackle, which weirdly made him a cult hero by a small group of Coventry fans but despised by others. Kastaneer shown flashes of his talent from time to time, but it was never consistent enough to be a consistent starter. The point was further proven when Wesley Jobello was out with an ACL injury, and Gervane was apart of the game where the Sky Blues were mauled 4-0 by Rotherham United. Gervane wouldn’t do very much after that, he would appear a couple more times as a sub, with his last game of the season being against Shrewsbury town as a used substitute. After that, Kastaneer was bombed out to the bomb squad spending the rest of the season linking up with the U23s.

What about his future?

Kastaneer made his Championship debut against Blackburn on the 24th of October as a substitute in a 4-0 defeat. But Gervane Kastaneer has alot of doubters to prove wrong, Gervane benefited from an injury crisis as well as Tyler Walker testing positive for Coronavirus, which allowed him to make the matchday squad. But one substitute appearance is far from enough for Kastaneer to convince his doubters otherwise. Kastaneer will need to get his head down and prove he can be a credible option for Mark Robins’ plans.

My verdict:

Gervane Kastaneer is young enough to carve out a good career as a footballer, and while I believe there is a player in there. I’m unsure if Coventry is the club he’ll be able to show any talent at, there are reports Kastaneer has been getting his head down in training willing to prove he can add to Robins’ squad. However, I feel it’s a bit too late, and the damage has already been done.

The Battle for the three Centre Half berths at Coventry City

In the early stages of the campaign, the competition has been hotting up, between four Centre Halves who are all in truth deserving of one of the three Centre Half berths Robins operates in his system. Here’s a lowdown on the four Centre Halves in question.

Michael Rose

Michael Rose underwent an operation on his hip, which forced the Scot to miss pre-season and subsequently cost him his starting place in these early stages. However, Rose’s ability cannot be forgotten about. Rose was arguably one of League One’s standout defenders last season, never mind just for Coventry. Reports were coming through that Rose and teammate Hyam were shortlisted for a potential Scotland call-up, before the Coronavirus pandemic put pay to that. Signing on a free from Ayr, Rose impressed very quickly and was surprisingly very consistent for a young Centre Half with little to no experience in English football. Rose will be needed when the gruelling midweek matches kick in due to the rushed campaign that is due ahead, so the Scot won’t be short of any game time.

Kyle McFadzean

Going into the campaign, it was expected Kyle McFadzean was going to take a back seat as the Sky Blues prepared for their Championship return. With alot of fans doubting if he could make the step up due to his older age. However, Kyle McFadzean has shown his importance as the leader of the back three. Kyle has also shown his capabilities as a captain being able to guide the side during the absence of main skipper, Liam Kelly. While Fadz may make the odd mistake, or be caught out due to his lack of pace. His importance can’t be neglected. McFadzean is the only Championship veteran the Sky Blues have in their squad carrying over 100 appearances in the division. Whether Fadz keeps his place during the whole season remains to be seen, but it can’t be denied he’s earnt his position at the moment.

Dominic Hyam

Hyam is the success story of the four Centre Halves, having joined the Sky Blues from humble beginnings and brutal struggles to link up with a severely neglected under 23 side to where he is now. Since he’s been apart of the Sky Blues, Hyam has developed leaps and bounds as a Centre Half. Two promotions on his CV in three years says it all. Hyam was also the 18/19 player of the season, and a crucial part of that brutal back 3 in the title winning 19/20 season. Dominic Hyam shown he was capable of Championship football when he put his body on the line, quite literally against a top quality Bournemouth side to keep the Sky Blues in the game for as long as he could. Just like Rose, Hyam will be looking to impress in the Championship and even potentially earn himself a Scotland call up down the road.

Leo Østigård

The 20-year old prospect has already earnt himself rave reviews since joining the Sky Blues on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion, bolstering an already strong Centre Half trio. Østigård has shown to add an extra ariel threat in attacking set-peices, also thanks to the improved crossing by other new signing, Gustavo Hamer. Leo’s impact wasn’t unnoticed as he would earn himself a call up for the Norway senior side for his efforts. Before this, Østigård was making a name for himself in the German 2nd tier during a loan spell with St Pauli. It’s only a matter of time until Østigård reaps his rewards if he keeps performing how he has been.

What to expect in the coming weeks

Don’t be at all surprised to see all four Centre Halves rotate in the coming weeks after international duty when a gruelling period between the 17th of October until the 7th of November with 7 games being played within three weeks. Starting with an away fixtures to Brentford and ending with a trip to Nottingham Forest before the November round of international duty. This short period will be crucial for the four Centre Halves where competition could get very exciting in order to consolidate their berths in defence. It’s crucial that they perform extremely well, as well as helping the Sky Blues get those needed points on the board in their bid for survival.

Why Matty Godden has the biggest point to prove in Coventry City’s squad this season.

**Matty Godden making his senior debut against Manchester United**

Matty Godden’s professional career actually started in the Championship with Scunthorpe United. Godden would make 5 league appearances in the Championship, with the Iron before they were relegated to League One. Unfortunately the rest of Godden’s Scunthorpe career was plagued with injuries, and several loan spells. Godden got his career up and running in the two seasons at Ebbsfleet where in his last season he netted 26 times in the league. This followed with a move to Stevenage where he would score 35 goals in 82 games, before a move to Peterborough which would last one season after netting 18 in all competitions, 14 being in League One.

**Matty Godden signing for Coventry City on the 6th of August 201**9

Falling down the pecking order at Peterborough, Godden joined the Sky Blues to bolster their attack. Godden’s start at Coventry was very indifferent. Godden shown flashes of his finishing ability as he settling into life at Coventry until a poorly timed injury would unfortunately keep him sidelined for two months, although he was scheduled to be out for alot longer. Godden would return in December, and would return in style. The ended 2019 and started 2020 with back to back hat-tricks against Wycombe Wanderers and Tranmere Rovers respectively. Godden would begin to grow into the Coventry team with consistent performances. Godden’s really shown how important he was when he scored a late winner against Portsmouth in a crucial promotion six-pointer, and the only way was up. Godden would score 5 in the last 6 games of the season putting Coventry into a 5 point at the top before the season was stopped due to COVID-19.

**Godden celebrating his goal which sent the Sky Blues to the summit of League One**

But why does Matty Godden have the biggest point to prove this season in the Championship for Coventry?

Matty Godden was last year’s top goalscorer for Coventry, and while fellow strikers Amadou Bakayoko and Maxime Biamou were very good rear gunners to Godden, they posed no threat to his starting place. Godden makes his return to the Championship for the first time in 10 years in which is a massive success story that isn’t talked about very much. But given his Scunthorpe struggles. Non-league to Championship in 6 seasons is a massive success story and a massive treatment to Godden’s determination to get his career on track.

Godden is a very good finisher which he has proven ever since his days with Ebbsfleet, he’s been prolific everywhere he’s been since leaving Scunthorpe in any league, an attribute Billy Sharp carried in his career. But the Sky Blues have a new kid on the block named Tyler Walker, whom they signed from Nottingham Forest just before the final weekend pre-season game vs Peterborough United, Godden’s former club. Coventry have spent big money for their budget on Tyler Walker, and Walker is planned to be the club’s long-term investment as well as bringing short-term success to help Coventry’s survival bid.

For now, it is Godden’s starting berth to lose, in my opinion. Godden was the bagsman in our promotion and equally deserves a fair crack in the Championship. We could also see Walker and Godden up top together if Robins wants to play with two strikers. However, if my gut feeling is right and we play with a lone striker, it’s key for Godden to start this season well, and maybe better than Tyler Walker does, or Walker could become the first choice. The competition between the former Stevenage teammates should be exciting. Both will be aiming to be the main talisman for the Sky Blues, and both should ultimately have a massive part to play, and lessen the burden off each other.

Tyler Walker joins the Sky Blues

**Tyler Walker signing for Coventry City**

Tyler Walker joined the Sky Blues as their 8th summer signing for an undisclosed fee from fellow Championship club, Nottingham Forest. The 23 year old striker has spent the majority of his Forest stint in various loan spells early on, with Burton Albion, Stevenage, Port Vale and Bolton in order to gain experience in men’s football as well as earning sporadic appearances for his parent club, Nottingham Forest in that time between the 14/15 and 17/18 seasons.

Tyler Walker truly put himself on the football map in the football when he signed for Mansfield on loan, where Walker would have an exceptional season scoring an outstanding 26 goals in 52 games in all competitions, averaging a goal every two games. This caught the attention of several League One clubs the following season in order to sign him on loan. Lincoln would sign Tyler Walker on a season loan, in which he would have a fantastic stint with the Imps. Walker would score 16 goals in 34 games, almost a goal every two games. The impressive loan spell saw Nottingham Forest recall him early, in which he would make 7 appearances and score once in the rest of the season in the Championship.

Tyler Walker was 4th in the Forest pecking order behind the prolific Lewis Grabban, the newly signed Lyle Taylor and Nuno Da Costa so Walker needed to move on to get consistent game time at Championship level. Walker has proven to be prolific in League One and League Two. Walker being the young age of 23 has all the time to develop and prove he has potential to make the step up at Championship level. The most cynical will have their doubts because he hasn’t proven he can be prolific in the Championship yet. But this is exactly the signing Coventry would make. A player with potential sell on value and still young enough to develop and to help Tyler make his mark in the Championship.

The 23 year old striker is in his comfort zone inside the 18 yard box waiting to pounce on any chance that comes his way to score, and he has a deadly finish. It’s where his best work seems to happen. Tyler Walker also has the pace to run in behind defences playing as a lone striker, which should still work to his advantage. He’s a great finisher so it shouldn’t be a problem. It won’t be easy for Tyler as he still has to prove he can be prolific at Championship level and he hasn’t done that yet, but at his young age he has all the attributes and potential to achieve it, and I believe Coventry are a great club for Walker to develop further as a player.

My overall verdict:

A striker being added to the squad was essential because it was an area where depth was lacking so Walker is a massive signing in order to bolster the Sky Blues’ attack and to add another dimension as well as well as needed pace for the Championship. But Walker signing crucially lessens the burden on last season’s top scorer, Matty Godden who used to be teammates with Walker at Stevenage. It will remain to be seen whether Mark Robins will have the two battle it out for the starting lone striker role or if he chooses to start them as a pair up top. We certainly have options and both could happen over the course of the season. On the whole Walker will be a positive signing this season and will only help our survival chances in what will be a tough and congestive season. Tyler Walker long-term could definitely be a massive signing and should also be good enough to have a positive short-term effect as the Sky Blues aim to survive in their first season back in the Championship.

Four U23 prospects who you should keep your eye on this season.

Coventry City’s U23 squad, the development side has proven to be an important pathway for future stars of the Sky Blues in recent years more than some might think. Whether the player was a graduate of the academy, or if a youngster was signed from another club upon their release from their previous club, or being signed after impressing with a non-league side. Sam McCallum, Dominic Hyam, and Zain Westbrooke proving to be the biggest success stories in the last 3 years. But a new breed are ready to show their worth and here are the 4 players to keep your eye on.

Jack Burroughs:

The 19 year old Midfielder has caught the eye for his ability to be versatile. The Coventry U23 star is able to play in several midfield positions as well as being able to play Right Back or Right Wing Back. Burroughs is also a Scotland U19 international which has accelerated his development as a player. Burroughs has featured 3 times for the Coventry first team in EFL Trophy. Burroughs has featured quite alot in pre-season suggesting he’s in line to be Fankaty Dabo’s back up while Dabo is absent and while Julien Dacosta is out with a long-term injury. Burroughs could well be in contention to be involved in Coventry’s Carabao Cup match against MK and their opening day clash vs Bristol City.

Declan Drysdale:

The 20 year old Birkenhead born Centre Half signed on the 4th of January 2019, for the development squad and has made 3 first team appearances as well. Including a start against Rochdale, covering for the suspended Kyle McFadzean where Drysdale would grow into the game where the Sky Blues ran out 2-1 winners putting in a solid performance. This would only boost Drysdale’s confidence as he formed a strong defensive partnership with Morgan Williams in the U23 squad, and earned himself a loan move to Solihull Moors in the National League. Drysdale has recently signed a new three-year deal after repaying the club’s faith in him, with also having featured heavily in pre-season. Despite the Sky Blues recently signing Leo Østigård on loan from Brighton, Drysdale could still be in contention to be involved in the first few games of the season due to Michael Rose’s injury. It could be a tough task to be given the chance start ahead of the experienced Kyle McFadzean, but Drysdale looks likely to make the bench as the back up. Further development could get him that much closer to the first team on a consistent basis with him getting better and McFadzean getting older.

Josh Eccles

Eccles, 20 has been highly rated by the club since he signed a professional deal in 2018. Last season he’d have felt he was unlucky got to have featured more often in the first, due to how much quality was in the midfield last season. He would yield 11 appearances, being a regular fixture when the Sky Blues were in cup action. He would play 3 times in the league too, the stand out game being where he stood in for Liam Kelly against Rochdale and performed well alongside Liam Walsh. Eccles is also a crucial part of the development side as well. For me a loan spell should be his next step. Eccles has shown to be a promising up and comer and a loan spell to a League One or League Two club should benefit his development as well as to integrate him closer to Coventry’s first team.

Will Bapaga:

The 17 year old forward is rated highly by Robins himself, Bapaga when only 16 years old, joined the first team on their pre-season tour in Spain and even got decent minutes during the 19/20 pre-season. Shortly followed was a substitute appearance away to Bolton Wanderers in the second game of the League One season. Bapaga made his senior league debut at 16. This was followed by 3 EFL Trophy appearances. Will was also a key player in the U23 squad, developing at a fast rate. Bapaga may very well still be an U23 regular next season. But don’t be at all surprised if he’s edging closer and closer to the first team within the next 2 seasons. Bapaga could go far in his career with the right development and career choices.

A report on Amadou Bakayoko’s Coventry career and why he should stay with Coventry City next season.

On the 7th of August 2018, Amadou Bakayoko completed his transfer to the Sky Blues from fellow Midlands club, Walsall for an undisclosed fee. The initial deal was two-years, but with an option of a further year. Fans have been divided in regards of what to think of him, some fans appreciative of what he does for the team and considered a cult hero by some, while others still remain unconvinced believing he just doesn’t score enough goals and doesn’t offer enough of what they expect from a striker.

Here I give my personal opinion as to why Bakayoko should STAY at Coventry next season, and it could cause a good debate.

**Amadou Bakayoko signing for Coventry City**

Amadou Bakayoko’s start to life at Coventry wasn’t the best, his debut against Wimbledon in a 0-0 draw. He would score a penalty in a 1-0 win at home to Plymouth. But the vibe everyone got was he didn’t understand the offside rule, as he was caught offside on several occasions. His low point though in my opinion came against Blackpool at Bloomfield Road where he was subbed on, then subbed off after a very poor performance, which was followed by being booed by our own supporters in a home game against Rochdale. But the only way was up for Bakayoko.

**Bakayoko celebrating his goal against Plymouth Argyle**

Amadou Bakayoko would show improvement after extra training and development. This would pay off in style at a trip to the Valley in a game against Charlton Athletic. This was where fans started to show him some love. 57th minute, Mark Robins made a double substitution to help overturn a 1-0 deficit bringing on Jordy Hiwula as well as Amadou Bakayoko on for Liam Kelly and Jonson Clarke-Harris. It would pay off with Bakayoko scoring a brace in the 81st and 91st minute to secure an unlikely away win, and the birth of the 20 goals, 20 goals Bakayoko chant was born.

**Bakayoko’s heroic celebration against Charlton Athletic**

Bakayoko would continue to show steady improvement, where his opportunity would arise when Jonson Clarke-Harris left to join fellow League One club, Bristol Rovers. Bakayoko took the opportunity and responded with a goal against his former club, Walsall. Bakayoko would gain admiration from a group of fans for his work ethic and eagerness to work hard for the team. It even led to a very strange goal where Bakayoko went to slide tackle Alex Cairns, and inadvertently scored in the process. A game in my opinion he deserved a hat-trick and was the man of the match. Further goals would come against Peterborough and Sunderland where he would finish the season off strongly. He went on to score 7 goals in 31 league games.

**Baka shushing the Walsall fanbase after his goal against them at the Ricoh Arena**

Despite not scoring alot of goals, Bakayoko shown consistent improvement as a player. He ended the 18/19 season a far better player than when he started that season. He wasn’t somebody who’d score alot of goals but somebody who could score crucial goals.

**Bakayoko celebrating his goal against Doncaster**

The 2019/20 season would see Amadou Bakayoko lose his starting berth, due to the signing of Matty Godden from Peterborough United. But Amadou Bakayoko would once again grow into the season, getting better as it would go on. His best work was while Matty Godden was absent. Godden being absent required Bakayoko and Biamou to fill in, where both did a very good job in limiting any potential damage during a big injury crisis. Goals against Fleetwood and Peterborough United were his hard earned reward.

**Bakayoko celebrates his goal against Fleetwood.**

Bakayoko would continue to prove to be a solid back up to prolific striker, Matty Godden in the new year, continuing to chip in with a few goals when he had to, mainly against Birmingham in the FA Cup and Bolton in League One. Bakayoko would score 6 goals in the 2019/20 in 33 games.

**Bakayoko celebrates a goal against Bolton Wanderers.**

The club would go on to trigger the year option in his contract, as a result. Showing Mark Robins clearly sees something in the Sierra Leonean. I have to agree, Bakayoko probably isn’t going to score 20 goals in a season, the consistency isn’t there, at least not at the moment. However, he is an asset to the team and will always give it his best, on his day he’s very hard to play against.

In conclusion, I would keep Amadou Bakayoko on instead of offloading him. I don’t expect him to start very often in the Championship, especially if a striker is on their way this summer to bolster the attack for the Championship to compete with Godden. I expect him to be mostly used for cup matches, whenever the squad needs rotating, as well as appearances off the bench. But Bakayoko is a solid squad player who can do a job when called upon, and chip in with a few goals when needed. Bakayoko is still only 24 years of age, so he still has time to develop even more. Chips in with a few and his target man play is rather underrated.

Maxime Biamou’s career and how it all materialised.

Maxime Biamou’s Coventry City career has had ups and downs along the way, but can overall be considered a success as he’s gone on to be the second top scorer on two occasions, scoring 20 goals, and contributing 8 assists in the 80 games he’s played for the Sky Blues.

**Maxime Biamou playing in the French lower leagues.**

Before his time in England he was playing in the French lower leagues for both Villemomble Sports in the French 5th tier for the 14/15 season and Yzeure in the French 4th tier for the 15/16 season. Two strong campaigns in France attracted interest from Sutton United.

**Maxime Biamou playing for Sutton United**

Maxime Biamou’s first stint in English football was for Sutton United in the National League, the 5th tier in English football and the top tier of non-league football outside the football league’s top 4 divisions. He would have a fairly slow start to life at Sutton but would impress as the season went on. Biamou was particularly eye catching during Sutton United’s heroic FA Cup run which saw them go all the way into the 5th round which saw them beat higher league opposition in Cheltenham, AFC Wimbledon and most famously, Leeds United before falling short to eventual FA Cup winners, Arsenal in round 5. Biamou could score 13 goals in 45 games in his first season in English football.

Max’s impressive season at Sutton caught the attention of Mark Robins who went on to sign Biamou heading into the 17/18 season as Coventry looked to get out of League Two at the first time of asking. Biamou’s start at Coventry would be very frustrating, it would take him until November to get his first goal for the club in a win against West Brom’s development side in the EFL Trophy. The lack of goals would frustrate the Sky Blue Army faithful, but the turn of the new year would be where things would change.

**Max Biamou celebrating his goal against MK in the 4th round of the FA Cup.**

Maxime Biamou would spend the second half of the season forming a very strong partnership with top scorer, Marc McNulty where more goals would come for the Frenchman. Swindon at home would be his opening league goal of the season, and a week later he would score the only goal of the game at Stadium MK where Coventry would defeat MK 1-0 in the 4th round of the FA Cup. Biamou would carry on being an asset as well as becoming a fan favourite due to the spectacular goals he would score.

**Celebrating against Notts County in the League Two play-off semi-final.**

Maxime Biamou’s hero status was truly confirmed in the final games of the season, where he would score 2 overhead kicks within a month. The first against Cheltenham in a 6-1 mauling. The second and most talked about against Notts County in the play-off semi-final 2nd leg at Meadow Lane. Biamou would score a brace in this game. Coventry would go on to win promotion back to League One.

The beginning of the 18/19 season would see the departure of Marc McNulty, as he would move to Reading for £1.2 million leaving Max Biamou as the main striker at the club after signing a new deal which kept him at the club until 2021. I didn’t take long until tragedy will strike, however, Blackpool away. Maxime Biamou’s season would be cut short with an ACL injury. Max would spend the season rehabbing the knee injured ready for the 19/20 season. Coventry would finish an impressive 8th in their first season back, almost making the play-offs.

**Maxime Biamou in action in a pre-season friendly vs Leamington**

Maxime Biamou would return to the pitch in the opening pre-season friendly against Leamington in which he would score a late penalty to seal a 4-0 win, this was a feel good moment for both Coventry fans and Biamou himself. Despite a strong pre-season. Maxime Biamou wasn’t going to be given a starting place, he had to win it back. He had to battle Amadou Bakayoko and a debutant in Matty Godden for the lone striker spot.

Reports and rumours were suggesting that Biamou was leaving the Sky Blues to seek game time as it came clear Biamou wasn’t even making the bench. But those reports were quickly rubbished as Biamou remained at the club and would go on to earn his place back. A string of dominant displays in he U23 side, constantly scoring goals plus the added fact Matty Godden was injured presented Biamou an opportunity, one which he took.

**Maxime Biamou scoring a wonder goal against Peterborough United**

Fleetwood at home, at St Andrews would be that opportunity. Mark Robins in the second half would create a 3-5-2 formation in which Bakayoko and Biamou were working very well as a pair. Biamou had a superb 2nd half in a game which Coventry won 2-1. He would earn a start against Peterborough United, in which he took the headlines with a glorious bicycle kick. Though Coventry only drew, Biamou had the headlines from that game.

Maxime Biamou would go on to become a cup specialist that season as well, though he scored a fairly impressive 11 goals in 26 games, 7 of them were in cup matches, including a hat-trick vs Southampton’s U21s in the EFL Trophy and a brace against Bristol Rovers in the FA Cup 3rd round replay. He would also score against Ipswich and Birmingham City in cup action as well. It would be a successful comeback for Biamou proving to be a strong back up to Matty Godden, just like Amadou Bakayoko proved the same thing.

**Matty Godden and Maxime Biamou celebrating Biamou’s goal away to Southend United**

Next season will be interesting for Biamou as to where Robins sees his future going, Matty Godden is currently the clear number one at the moment, and with Robins seemingly wanting to bring in a striker to bolster his attack for the Championship. It’ll be interesting to see where Biamou fits in. But with Biamou’s loyalty and work ethic. We could easily see Biamou more than happy to fight for his place, showing he’s most of all a team player.

5 Coventry City U23 success stories under Mark Robins

Coventry City have took alot of pride in their academy who’ve produced some great players who’ve gone on to achieve huge things. James Maddison and Callum Wilson have both gone on to play for England. Their U23 side since Mark Robins has been in charge has been a great place for academy graduates, players who need a career path and young non-league talents who are ready to have their careers kickstarted. In recent years it’s made the club a nice amount of money in transfer sales as well as produce them crucial players for the first team.

Dominic Hyam:

Dominic Hyam was intially signed for the development side for the forthcoming 17/18 season as Coventry dropped to League Two. He would make 17 appearances in his first season, spending the early part as the 4th choice Centre Back. Hyam would end the season as a starting Centre Half after Tom Davies missed the play-offs semi final 2nd leg and final due to suspension. Hyam would keep his place and the following would rack up 38 appearances scoring 1 goal, subsequently becoming Coventry’s 18/19 player of the year in their first season back in League One. Hyam continues to devleop to this day, in December of 2019 he signed a new deal which would keep him at Coventry until 2021 with an option of a further year. Hyam has become a crucial part in a back 3 with Michael Rose and Kyle McFadzean. A good season in the Championship could yield a call up to the Scotland national squad for the 24 year old Scot.

Tom Bayliss:

Tom Bayliss is another success story from Coventry City’s academy. Tom Bayliss bursting onto the scene was a matter of taking an opportunity, Liam Kelly was out with an injury just before Coventry were set to play Cheltenham at the Ricoh. Tom Bayliss was given a late call up to start and he made an instant impact scoring in the first 2 minutes of the game. He went on to score 6 goals in 27 league games in the process. Attracting interest from alot of clubs in higher divisions. He shortly signed a new four year deal Bayliss would find it harder next season, but would still put in a strong shift in defensive midfield. He done enough to impress Preston North End manager, Alex Neil and for next season he left Coventry to join Preston for around £2 million. Only 21 years of age, Bayliss could become a big player for Preston with the right development.

Jordan Shipley:

Jordan Shipley first burst onto the Coventry City scene in a Youth Cup game against Arsenal’s academy side where Coventry came close to beating the Gunners’ Youth just falling short on penalties. Shipley would go on to make his senior debut as a substitute in a 1-0 win at home to Walsall in the 16/17 season. 17/18 would be his breakout season, however, Shipley announced his importance with a glorious free kick in a 3-0 away win against Luton Town, permanently becoming a crucial first team fixture. Shipley would score 5 goals in 33 first team games in League Two, including goal in the League Two play-off final. Shipley would have a slow start to life in League One struggling to get to grips with the step up intially. But after the departures of Abu Ogogo and Michael Doyle, Shipley would announce himself back into the first team picture finishing the 18/19 season very strongly, justifying Robins’ patience. The 19/20 would be his strongest season yet, in all competitions Shipley would score 7 goals and yield 6 assists in 42 games playing a crucial part in Coventry’s promotion to the Championship. At 22 years old, Shipley has gone from League Two to a Championship player in 3 years. He already has 120 appearances to his name and looks to add more.

Zain Westbrooke:

Westbrooke’s arrival at Coventry was different to the other players mentioned. Zain was set to leave Brentford upon his contract expiring, so he became a trialist and his try out was with Coventry, after a string of impressive showings in some U23 games, Zain was snapped up for the U23 side where he would consistently impress, and even earned himself 8 first team appearances in his first season. Zain Westbrooke’s breakthrough would come after Tom Bayliss left for Preston on the opening day against Southend United where he would score the only goal of the game. Westbrooke would score 4 goals in 25 league games in a successful breakthrough season. Next season will be crucial for Zain with him turning 24 this October. He needs regular game next season, whether that’s at Coventry or elsewhere.

Sam McCallum:

Signing during the 18/19 season, the then 17 year old was playing for Herne Bay in the 8th tier of English Football. McCallum was apart of Jamie Vardy’s V9 academy. The V9 academy is a place for young non-league talent to improve their skills, to develop and to hopefully land themselves a move to a bigger club in the Football League, Morgan Williams also came through this academy. McCallum would make rapid progress in his first season, starting the campaign as the 4th choice Left Back and ended the season as the 2nd choice behind Brandon Mason making 8 appearances in the process. The 19/20 campaign was his real breakthrough, McCallum would become the first choice Left Back after Coventry started deploying Wing Backs debuting a new formation in which McCallum thrived in. Scoring some belters against Colchester, Wycombe and MK. These impressive performances got him a move to Norwich City for a 7 figure sum. McCallum would return on loan and finish the season helping Coventry win promotion back to the Championship. McCallum is still only 19 and has around 15 years left of his career, maybe more. If McCallum keeps his head down and continues to develop at a fast rate, he has all the potential to reach a very high ceiling.