Robins: Our homework is done for window of opportunity
MARK Robins has revealed his latest Coventry City recruitment plans for the January transfer window.
Like every other manager in the top four divisions, the Sky Blues boss has the opportunity to add to his squad at the mid-term point by drafting in a bit of extra quality to help the club achieve its ambitions this season.
As fans saw last January when Bright Enobakhare was signed on loan from Premier League Wolves, it can only take one player to make a huge difference to the team – the exciting young play-maker transforming City’s second half of the campaign.
Money is tight and Robins has already said that if he does anything in the window it will be in the loan market rather than forking out for any more permanent signings.
Head of recruitment Chris Badlan has already done most of the club’s homework and City will have identified the targets they will try to bring in, although Robins insists he’s not expecting a busy window.
“Chris has done a lot of his work and I meet with him on a regular basis,” said the manager.
“I met with him last week and I’m really, possibly, only looking at one.
“There are two or three options but I don’t need to do a great deal. Hopefully we can do a little bit but I don’t need to do a lot.”
Much will depend on the fitness and form of his existing squad in the run up to and over Christmas.
Striker Jordy Hiwula has returned to fitness after a month out with an ankle injury while fellow front man Max Biamou will be welcomed back into the fold this week after serving a three-match suspension – a situation that meant City had to play three games with just one fit and available centre-forward in Amadou Bakayoko. If Biamou can pick up where he left off with goals and impressive form, and Hiwula can find a bit of confidence in front of goal, then Robins will feel less urgency to bring in a fresh face.
First choice striker Matty Godden is also hoped to return from injury next month which, again, eases any concerns at the front end of the pitch for the manager.
“I just need to keep things going until we get there,” said Robins, “and the players have got to keep doing what they’re doing and then I can address it later on.
“But there will be options to be able to do something, should the need arise.”
There are two or three options but I don’t need to do a great deal. Hopefully we can do a little bit.
Mark Robins