Final City team selection gives glimpse of Robins’ future plans
MARK Robins’ final Coventry City team selection of the Championship season proved to be quite revealing.
The Sky Blues boss made five changes to his side to face Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium, one of which appeared to be driven by sentimentality and the heart. His changes far from weakened the team, which dominated much of the first half when Viktor Gyokeres gave the visitors the lead in a game that should really have been dead and buried by the time Sam Clucas pulled the Potters level just before the break.
It’s set to be an interesting summer of change and evolution at the club. Here we look at what Saturday’s team sheet told us about the manager’s plans for next season.
Competitive edge
Ben Wilson completed his run of three games to show what he can do, a move that has served to keep him happy and energised to fight for the No 1 spot next season. Robins said after the West Brom game that his display at The Hawthorns had underlined the fact City have two good goalkeepers, explaining that Simon Moore needed a mental break after his first full season in several years. Although the former Sheffield United man is expected to continue as the manager’s first choice, Robins clearly wants to ensure there’s a competitive environment where both will be battling for the shirt in pre-season ahead of the new campaign.
‘A joke’
Stalwart centre-half Kyle Mcfadzean was once again named at the heart of the back three, having played 37 of City’s 46 Championship games this season. He was spoken about in glowing terms afterwards, Robins saying: “I mean, Mcfadzean has been a joke - absolutely unbelievably good.”
Although out of contract this summer, the defender has already triggered a clause in his contract which kicked in after completing 23 starts – something he did by the end of December – to extend his stay for another year. The 35-year-old would like to negotiate better terms, and, given how highly thought of he is by his manager, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he did.
Look what you can have Jake
Jake Clarke-salter was back in the side ahead of Michael Rose, and the
Chelsea loan man bowed out in one last accomplished performance before returning to his parent club to consider his future. It’s no secret that Robins rates him highly and would like to sign him, assuming the circumstances are right - i.e. that he’s available on a free transfer rather than having to pay a fee for his services, as could be the case if the Blues trigger a one year extension in his contract at Stamford Bridge. The 24-year-old former England Under21 skipper is expected to have plenty of options but Coventry has to be an attractive option for the player, who already has the trust of the manager and knows he would be guaranteed game time at an ambitious Championship club where he’s popular with fans.
Skipper’s timely reminder
Liam Kelly slotted in effortlessly on his return to the starting line-up at Stoke. We’ve not seen him much at all in what has been a bit of a write-off season for the skipper who reminded everyone that he’s still an influential figure on the pitch, not least when he sparked the opening goal with an incisive pass to Jamie Allen who, in turn, slipped Viktor Gyokeres through on goal for City’s 14th minute lead. While his starting berth isn’t necessarily guaranteed given the competition from Gus Hamer, Ben Sheaf and Allen, he is a ready-made and reliable option who will be needed in a congested fixture programme caused by the World Cup next season.
Statement of intent
Robins confirmed afterwards that the reason his star midfielder Gustavo Hamer was left out at Stoke was to protect him from a 15th yellow card of the season which, had he been booked, would have meant a three-match suspension carrying over to the start of next season. The manager didn’t want to take that risk, a clear statement of intent that he intends to keep the player this summer; that the club will resist all approaches for his services.
Hint for the future
The fact that Academy graduate Josh Eccles was handed a start showed, once again, how highly Robins thinks of the 20-year-old who was outstanding for the 30 minutes he was on the pitch before tearing his hamstring and having to be stretchered off. Although a central midfielder by trade, Eccles has proved himself to be a more than able wing-back who can perform at this level. He clearly has a bright future at the club but just needs to stay fit, having missed large chunks of the campaign with hip and ankle injuries prior to his latest painful setback.
Last hurrah
Ian Maatsen returned to the left wing-back berth for one last time ahead of the Chelsea loan player’s return to his parent club. Chosen by Mark Robins as his Young Player of the Year, it was arguably the manager’s way of saying thank-you to the 20-year-old who has been an impressive addition to the side and more than played his part in an exciting season. A model professional, the Dutch youth international completely bought into the club and looks to have a bright future ahead of him.
Sentimental goodbye
Jordan Shipley’s place in the starting line-up was clearly a sentimental decision by Mark Robins, knowing full well that it was likely to be his last. The Sky Blues boss revealed after the game that City had accepted a bid for the player, understood to be
Shrewsbury Town, and that it was likely he was leaving – a situation made pretty clear as the player bade an emotional farewell in front of the fans who sang his name aloud. And it was fitting that ‘one of our own’ put in an impressive last performance for his beloved hometown club, whom he’s never let down and more than played his part in the journey from League Two to the second tier.
Final fling?
Jodi Jones was handed another 20 minutes from the bench when he replaced Shipley in the second half, once again showing glimpses of his quality and usefulness as an impact player on the limited occasions he’s been available this season. It’s unclear at this stage if Robins will trigger a clause in the player’s contract to keep him for another season or let him go and get more game time elsewhere. If the latter is the case then this was another sentimental selection and opportunity for the fan favourite to enjoy one last appearance for the club he’s grown to love. Unlike Shipley’s post match emotions, however, there was nothing in his body language to suggest he was saying goodbye.