FOOTBALL: SKY Blues manager Russell Slade remains hopeful of adding more of an attacking threat to his squad with just a handful of days left in the January transfer market.
Slade has made six additions since taking over the reigns at the Ricoh Arena back in December as he looks to maintain the club’s League One status.
Stuart Beavon and Callum Reilly joined from Burton Albion, defenders Nathan Clarke and Kevin Foley moved on short term deals until the end of the season, and Derby duo Farren Rawson and Charles Vernam recently made the move to City on loan.
Midfield and attack are still areas for concern with the Sky Blues having failed to find the back of the net during their two previous League One outings.
And with five days remaining until the transfer window slams shut, Slade is eager to get more attacking bodies in the building.
“It’s getting close to the end of the window but we’re still looking at doing business,” Slade told the Observer.
“We’ve not had the firepower to throw at teams but hopefully we’ll be able to address that over the next few days.
“Wide midfield and central midfield are positions we want to fill and hopefully we can get the right players in with the right attributes.”
Charles Vernam moved to the Sky Blues on loan earlier this week. (s)
Two possible players who could fit the bill are trialists Theo Wharton and Navid Nasseri who remain on Slade’s rader, but former Premier League star Samba Diakite will not be making a permanent move.
“I felt that in terms of where Samba was with his fitness and where we need him to be, he was quite a few weeks away.
“I’ve decided to take a closer look at the other two players who are a bit younger than Samba.”
Despite ever constant speculation, there remains no fresh offers for Ben Stevenson following two unsuccessful bids from Championship side Brentford.
Elsewhere, the Sky Blues were able to take a welcome break away from their League One relegation fight as they progressed through to the semi-final of the Checkatrade Trophy.
A penalty shoot-out victory over Swansea City Under-21s on Tuesday night has set up a home clash against in-form League Two outfit Wycombe Wanderers.
With the Sky Blues now just one game away from their first trip to Wembley since they won the FA Cup back in 1987, Slade is hoping a large crowd will cheer his team onto the final in April.
The Sky Blues are now just one game away from playing at Wembley Stadium. (s)
He added: “I’m really pleased that we are at home in front of our own fans. Hopefully we can get a large number of fans through the door at the Ricoh Arena.
“The more fans we get for the semi-final the better because that will really lift the players so lets’ hope we can encourage many people to come along.
“If we can create an atmosphere, it will be a great occasion. The players on the pitch take a lot from that. We’re 90 minutes from Wembley now and that is hugely exciting for the football club.”
