Coventry City wrap up their season at the CBS Arena on Saturday when several players will be saying farewell to the Sky Blues
Mark Robins wants his Coventry City players to leave on a high note this Saturday when they welcome Queens Park Rangers at the CBS Arena in the final match of the 2023-24 season. Sky Blues fans may bid farewell to up to eight current players who are out of contract or have terms that will expire in the next year, in addition to the club’s annual Legends Day celebration of past stars.
First and foremost, Mark Robins’ team must secure a final three points to cap off another memorable season in which clear improvement has been achieved in some areas but setbacks have occurred in others. However, as the team prepares for another hectic summer transfer window, there are expected to be numerous arrivals and departures as the manager aims to strengthen and perform even better the next time around.
Here, we look at the players who the fans may be seeing for the last time, whether on the pitch or on the lap of honour at the finish.
The goalkeepers
Simon Moore will be leaving the club to pursue new opportunities. The 33-year-old had a successful season with the Sky Blues after joining from Sheffield United. However, he was replaced by Ben Wilson last year and is now a third-choice player. The consummate professional will go since he is no longer under contract.
Despite being under contract for another year, Wilson appears to be at a crossroads in his City career.Last season, the 31-year-old was awarded EFL Team of the Season for keeping 22 clean sheets and leading the Sky Blues to the Championship play-off final. However, this season, he has been replaced by newcomer Brad Collins.
Although Collins has made a number of mistakes in recent weeks, Wilson has not been recalled to the side, which could indicate that the manager believes it is time for a change in the summer. Wilson, meanwhile, after enjoying a season of first-team action in 2022/23, may be keen for more rather than satisfied to remain an understudy. But the bottom line is that Robins will almost surely try to bolster the position this summer after City conceded far too many goals this season.
The Defenders
This is an area that could provide one of the most unexpected surprises of the summer. Jake Bidwell has established himself as a firm fan favourite over the last two seasons, with consistency and stability becoming synonymous with his performances. And the 31-year-old has arguably improved, clearly benefiting from the formation shift to a back four, where he is more effective as a left-back than a wing-back.
Fans may recall that the defender was due to travel to Birmingham some 16 months ago, when City attempted to buy Jay Dasilva from Bristol City in January 2023.Dasilva ultimately arrived last summer and quickly put Bidders on the bench until the former Swansea player reclaimed the shirt on merit. Dasilva, a former Chelsea prospect who worked under Adi Viveash at the London club, has had an average first season, but there are high aspirations for the player to improve significantly. However, it is a position that has lacked something since Ian Maatsen’s departure, and as such, don’t be shocked if City actively seeks to reinforce this summer, with Bidwell potentially being the player to make way for any new talent.
The future of another defender, Luis Binks, is doubtful. The 22-year-old wants to leave his parent club Bologna, where he is still under contract. However, he has been disappointed with his season-long loan with the Sky Blues, where he has only made 22 appearances. He did, however, grab the eye at Wembley against Manchester United and would have been given a run in the side if he hadn’t sustained an Achilles injury against Hull the following match. He’s a nice age and fits City’s development strategy, so it’ll be intriguing to see whether the club makes a bid to sign him permanently. Whatever happens, the center-back has indicated a desire to return to England permanently to advance his career.
The midfielders
Callum O’Hare, who is expected to make his final appearance over the weekend, will undoubtedly be remembered for his iconic song. Out of contract and declining a new deal with clear goals for the Premier League, the 26-year-old is poised to leave on a free transfer, capping an incredible five years at the club.
Liam Kelly is another player who has played an important role in City’s rise up the ranks, and he is the only one who has stayed from League Two to the present day.The 34-year-old skipper, who is out of contract, has only been in 18 games this season and will almost definitely wear the shirt for the final time against QPR on Saturday.
Jamie Allen is the only other midfielder who could face an uncertain summer. Despite having a year remaining on his current contract, the 29-year-old has made only 24 appearances this season, owing primarily to illness and injuries. Although he is a superb squad player whose energy and attention to tactical detail make him a true asset and manager’s dream, one wonders if he may desire more definite playing time elsewhere, especially because Robins will almost certainly be trying to add more quality to his midfield.
The Forwards
Matty Godden has contributed significantly to the team with 50 goals in 155 appearances across all competitions in the past five seasons. The 32-year-old still has a year on his deal, but with the arrival and improved play of Ellis Simms and Haji Wright, he has dropped down the pecking order and has seen his game time reduced in recent months. Although Robins is a huge fan of the striker he once referred to as the team’s talisman, he has repeatedly demonstrated that there is little room for emotion when it comes to trying to strengthen his changing squad. In addition, Godden will be dissatisfied by his lack of game time and will almost probably want regular and guaranteed playing time in the future.