Stockdale sends out message regarding future
BLUES goalkeeper David Stockdale’s immediate future remains up in the air – despite his farewell message to Coventry City.
Stockdale has played twice for the Sky Blues after moving to the League One club on an emergency loan.
He has performed admirably, helping promotion-chasing Coventry to two wins and two clean sheets in the process.
The 33-year-old, who has been jettisoned by Blues boss Gary Monk, appeared to draw a line under his brief spell at the Ricoh Arena with a message posted on social media.
“Thanks for all of the Coventry City people for making me feel welcome,” he wrote. “Loved my time. What a great talented team and staff. Was my pleasure to wear the shirt. All the best.”
However, Stockdale is thought to remain on call and could deputise once more when Coventry face league leaders Luton Town, should first-choice stopper Lee Burge not recover in time from injury.
Coventry manager Mark Robins was full of praise after Stockdale helped to keep Walsall at bay in a 3-0 win on Saturday.
“He’s a proper goalkeeper,” he said. “He has a lot of experience and plays at a higher level and commands the area and his kicking is good.
“He’s vocal and that’s the goalkeeper at the next level, so it’s been really good from him. He commanded his area whenever they got in the penalty box, which they did a few times, but he relieved the pressure by coming and claiming the ball.”
Burge’s fitness will be assessed when the players return for training at Ryton today. And if the 26-year-old is still struggling with injury, Stockdale will be in line to stay with City for a third emergency loan week.
In that event, he would rejoin the team to prepare for their televised midday clash at Kenilworth Road on Sunday.