We look at two Coventry City players who will need to prove they deserve to stay at the club.
Coventry City looked to have turned the corner after a shaky start to the season as they attempt to climb the table.
Mark Robins has done a brilliant job with the Sky Blues since returning to the club, but he endured heartbreak last season as they lost the play-off final to Luton at Wembley.
Whilst it can’t take away from what was an outstanding campaign, the loss was tough to take, and it prompted a summer of change for the club as they remained in the second tier.
Notably, important combo Gustavo Hamer and Viktor Gyokeres were sold for large sums of money, and Robins was handed the proceeds to bring in new players.
Naturally, most of them have taken their time settling in, but Coventry are finally finding their feet as they strive to reclaim a place in the top six.
Of course, January is quickly approaching, and the manager will want to be busy as he attempts to reinforce, but it will be a case of quality over quantity given the squad’s lack of serious issues.
It’s not all about incomings though, as some departures are likely to be on the cards, and here we look at TWO Coventry players who will have a month to prove they deserve to be kept around…
Simon Moore
The custodian was the club’s first choice when he signed in the 21/22 season, but he had to settle for the backup role last time around.
Moore isn’t making the matchday squad most weeks, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t someone Robins will cherish.
With his contract expiring in the summer, there are certainly concerns regarding his future, and it appears that he will be a free agent.
However, the stopper may recognise that he is at an age now where he must drop down the leagues to get regular minutes, so he may value sticking around at a club to help other keepers and being a positive influence in the dressing room.
Robins will value the leadership qualities of Moore, and they could offer him a short-term deal to stick around. Alternatively, if the boss knows he isn’t in his plans moving forward, it may benefit all parties if a January exit is sanctioned, so discussions are likely to take place in the coming weeks.
Callum O’Hare
Saying O’Hare needs to prove his worth is unfair, as everyone knows he is a supremely talented player, and the fans appreciate all he has done over the years.
But, his contract is also expiring in the summer, and the fact he is yet to sign an extension is a concern.
You would presume he feels he warrants a contract that puts him as one of the top earners, and with no deal yet signed, it suggests there are issues to sort out. And, if he hits a purple patch in the next few weeks, it could be enough to convince the club to make sure it’s finalised.
Coventry, on the other hand, are in a tricky situation. If they can’t agree on conditions, they realise January is their last chance to receive a fee for a player who is still worth something.
So it will be interesting to see how it plays out, and you can expect movement in either direction in the coming weeks.
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