PRIME SUSPECTS
SKY BLUES PAIR FIGHTING FOR NEW CONTRACTS AS THEY REACH THEIR PEAK
STALWARTS Michael Rose and Fankaty Dabo ‘know what they need to do’ to earn new contracts, says Coventry City manager Mark Robins.
The pair are in the last year of their current deals and Robins believes they are heading towards the prime of their careers.
Injuries interrupted last season but now the defenders, who coincidentally both turned 27 on October 11, are back fit and firing as the Sky Blues head to Stoke City today seeking a third win in a row. Rose and Dabo both signed for the Sky Blues in the summer of 2019, quickly establishing themselves as regulars who helped the club gain promotion to the Championship in their first season.
The pair then suffered hip injuries that required surgery, limiting their contributions in City’s first season back in the Championship. But back in the side this term the defenders are fighting to earn new contracts to extend their stay at the CBS Arena.
In Rose’s case he has a huge opportunity to reestablish himself at the right of the back three after friendly rival Dom Hyam’s summer switch to Blackburn Rovers.
“We have got a really capable player who is coming into the prime of his career at 27, along with Fanky,” said Robins, pictured.
“The pair of them are capable in terms of what they have done over recent years with promotion and building in the Championship.
“They both had injuries and similar types of surgeries and it took them a little bit of time to come back from that and become more robust, I suppose. But yes, with Michael, it’s like with every player. And I say it all the time, it’s down to them and what they do.
“There might be changes because of fatigue or they need a breather or get suspended but ultimately it’s down to them and their performances. His contributions over the last few games have been pretty good and there’s still more in there.”
He added: “I think belief is a big, big thing and I think if he believes in himself then that grows belief in him
from elsewhere – from the supporters. I know what he’s capable of and ultimately it’s there for him and he’s got a big opportunity and a big responsibility.
“He’s starting to become a mature player with quite a lot of experience now. But he’s another stalwart and member of the squad who has been here for a while now, and has formed a really close bond with the other players.”
Asked if, without wishing to put undue pressure on them, it’s a big season for Rose and Dabo because they are out of contract in the summer, Robins said: “I think we will be getting through the season and at some point we will make decisions on what’s happening moving forward. But I think they are comfortable. I say comfortable, I think that’s the wrong choice of word.
“They know what needs to happen and what they need to do. They need to keep playing and performing and everyone needs to earn what they get. They have done that over time and they have to continue to do that.”