RICKETTS LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT CHAPTER
COVENTRY club captain Sam Ricketts is targeting a career in coaching after being forced to retire due to a knee injury.
The 35-year-old defender had made 56 appearances for the Sky Blues but announced his retirement this week after advice from doctors.
The defender began his career at Oxford United before spells at Telford United, Swansea City, Hull City, Bolton Wanderers and Wolves. He joined Coventry in the summer of 2015.
The 52-cap Welsh international Ricketts is optimistic about staying in the game following his retirement.
He says he’s excited by the challenges of a career in management.
“As my playing career comes to an end, I am now looking forward to embarking on a new chapter,” he said in a statement.
“A few years ago, I started working towards my coaching badges and I’m currently in the process of completing my UEFA A Licence with the Welsh FA.
“I am excited about the challenges that lie ahead and now hope to be able to give something back to a game which has given me so much.
“It has been a fantastic journey and one which has provided me with so many unbelievable experiences and memories.”
Former Sky Blues manager Tony Mowbray, who brought Ricketts to the club, says he has every confidence Ricketts will be a big success.
“He’s a model professional who does everything properly, so why couldn’t he be a coach or manager?” he said.
“It comes down to your instinctive knowledge of the game and taking bits from all your managers.
“He has had some good managers and coaches in his career and I am sure he’ll add those experiences to his own personality and have a chance of making a successful coaching career.”