Farewell Matty as ex-City midfielder joins the Sky Blues

MATTY James’ loan switch to Coventry City has been confirmed, effectively ending the midfielder’s Leicester City career.

James returned from Barnsley on Tuesday, where he spent the first portion of the season on loan, and will now head down the M69 to join their Championship rivals for the remainder of the season.

That will take the 29-year-old up to the end of his contract at City, the club he has called home since 2012.

James has played 117 appearances in an injury-hit nine years at the King Power Stadium, scoring five goals.

After arriving at Coventry, the Sky Blues’ boss and former City forward Mark Robins said: “We’re very pleased to welcome Matty to the club on loan until the end of the season.

“Matty is a player with great ability and brings to the squad leadership and experience in an important position.

“He has impressed previously for Leicester City at this level and also in the Premier League, as well as in his loan spell at Barnsley earlier this season, and we look forward to working with him.”

James was supremely effective in the Barnsley midfield for the first part of the season, with the club rising from 23rd to ninth in the Championship during his 15-game spell at Oakwell.

He hopes to have a similar impact at Coventry, especially as he’s feeling “the best he’s felt for a long time” regarding his fitness.

Speaking about his switch to the Sky Blues, James said: “It’s fantastic. It’s been going on for a few days now and I’m just happy to be here and be signed and I’m excited for the games coming up and the future.

“I’ve spoken to the manager and he has put a lot of belief into me and has explained the way Coventry play and the group they have here, and he sold it to me really and now I’m just excited and raring to go.

“I’ve built my reputation on being a leader and trying to dictate play, passing the ball and controlling games, and hopefully I can hold the position there and put tackles in and make sure the game flows and hopefully that’s the kind of midfielder the fans will see.”