With a deadline day surprise, Coventry City manager Mark Robins tried to pull another enigma out of Doug King’s hat. After insisting on Tuesday night that the team would not be accepting any new players, the Sky Blues owner quickly spent King’s money on Ephron Mason-Clark, a promising winger for Peterborough United.

The 24-year-old attacker, who signs a four and a half-year contract with the Posh for an unknown cost, has a remarkable resume, having scored 15 goals and dishing out seven assists in 30 games across all competitions this season. Fans of the Sky Blues won’t get to see the player until the following season, though, as City has grudgingly agreed to loan him back to the promotion-chasing selling club for the remainder of the year.

Along with Victor Torp, he is the only new player the team has signed in January. Kyle McFadzean, Yasin Ayari, and Tom Costello have all left the CBS Arena, while teenage attacker Justin Obikwu has gone to Grimsby Town on loan. What state will Mark Robins’ team be in going into the last few months of the 2023–24 season, given that they have 17 games left to win in order to qualify for the playoffs for the second consecutive year? Sky Blues reporter Andy Turner evaluates the circumstances here.

More or less powerful following the window?

After acquiring ready-made talent in Victor Torp, who has made two memorable appearances and scored a breathtaking goal on his debut, the team is definitely stronger. Although he still needs to gain strength after missing six weeks due to the Norwegian winter break, the 24-year-old Dane has stepped right into the starting lineup and looks the part. He looks after the ball, is self-assured, and has an eye for goal. In addition, he is a superb set-piece performer and at a great age—not a raw, fresh-faced teenager, but still young enough to continue growing.

Ephron Mason-Clark is another example of proven quality added by City, albeit with an eye toward the long run because the player can’t help the team push for the playoffs. The attacker, who is also 24 years old, has shown his mettle in League One and will give City’s attack a thrilling new facet next year. His primary role is that of a left winger, which should give Tatsuhiro Sakamoto, on the right, the ideal counterbalance.

Haji Wright has been used in that capacity thus far, but Mason-Clark’s summer arrival will provide Robins more choices and competition on that side of the field, possibly opening the door for Wright to be used in the center. When considering the wider picture, it’s a win/win situation because one of Peterborough’s best players is a former Barnet lad who can also play on the right or as a striker. Not so much for the present, though, which is what most fans will be worried about, and rightfully so.

Mason-Clark would have been the ideal solution to help give City that extra piece of magic to help them reach their goals this season. Robins had wanted a left winger in the window. Therefore, even though City has improved in the middle of the park, they are not any better in the wide position that may determine whether they cross the line or not.

The only issue is the sheaf injury.

Although the entire degree of Ben Sheaf’s injury is yet unknown, any extended absence for City is a blow because of how important he is to the team. The good news is that Jamie Allen is a tested and reliable alternative, Torp has added genuine quality, and Josh Eccles has stepped up nicely this season. In addition to using the adaptable Joel Latibeaudiere in the holding role, City has also retained Liam Kelly, who offers seasoned backup should the need arise.

Goodbye, Fadz

Despite the fact that Kyle McFadzean’s departure, which ended an incredible four and a half years of service, grieved both the player and the supporters, City now have more than enough cover after moving to a back four. Robins only requires two center backs at a time; his preferred combination is Bobby Thomas and Liam Kitching, with Joel Latibeiudiere and Luis Binks providing support. Therefore, the move made sense for all involved, and aside from not having such a great character in the dressing room, City are not inherently weaker as a result. Though Fadz would still have been the epitome of professionalism, let’s face it, it would not have been ideal to have a disgruntled and unhappy player in the camp.

It is evident that Mark Robins’ team is still developing, as the team is willing to invest in high-caliber players instead of enhancing the roster with a few select loan signings. Instead of depending solely on one talented striker, City added 11 new players in the summer, and they have since established themselves and contributed to the formation of a better and more well-rounded group with goals from other individuals.

The two new players the team signed in January come during a famously tough window and should strengthen the squad even more going forward. Mason-Clark’s injury should have prevented him from playing until the following season, since he would have given City’s promotion push much-needed strength.

More work will need to be done in the summer, not the least of which will be finding a replacement for Callum O’Hare, should he decide to leave the club as appears likely. But since he’s going to be there for the duration of the season, City should be well-positioned to challenge for the play-offs, provided everyone stays healthy.

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