THIS week’s fan’s view column has been sent in by Matty Roper who looks back and dissects the business done by Tony Mowbray over the summer months.
“After wielding the axe at the end of last season, Mowbray was left with the task of rebuilding a threadbare squad. Supporters have seen eight players join the club thus far but has it been good business for the Sky Blues?
“If you look at the opening five league fixtures as a reference point, it would seem that the new bodies have had a positive impact as we sit fifth in the division with ten points to our name. Some breathtaking attacking football has been played also, something we never saw last season.
“One player who has lit up League One so far is loanee Adam Armstrong, his pace has proved to be a real thorn in opposition defences and after being labelled as the ‘most clinical finisher since Shearer’ by Newcastle fans, he has certainly lived up to the billing with some strikes beyond his years.
“The gamble taken on Ruben Lameiras seems to have paid off also as he is a player with unerring technical ability, he could be a real gem. Jacob Murphy has come in and provided another threatening option in forward areas and with Maddison sidelined with injury, he could be key to City’s success too.
“Experienced defender and now captain, Sam Ricketts has been commanding so far and he partners Reda Johnson well in the heart of defence. John Fleck has also been allowed more freedom following the arrival of Romain Vincelot, and this can only be a good thing for us.
“A few more bodies have also been brought in as Chris Stokes, Bryn Morris and Lateef Elford-Alliyu all signed on the dotted line, but we do require a further few additions if we want to challenge.
“As with any team, squad depth is vital and that’s something we lack at the moment as we have a thin squad filled predominantly with youngsters. Of course, the loan market is still open to those who wish to tap in to it and free agents can still sign up at clubs so we can still expect a few more fresh faces in the coming weeks.
“I believe that’s it’s been a fairly positive window on all accounts for the Sky Blues considering our meagre budget, and with Mowbray at the helm we could be in for a good season. We’ll see where we are in January, whether we can build or whether we plummet remains to be seen. PUSB.”
