JAMIE Paterson admits it is a ‘dream come true’ after completing a move to join Coventry City until the end of the season.
The Coventry-born 33-year-old joined the Sky Blues on a free transfer following his departure from MLS side Charlotte FC.
Paterson has been training with the club recently and was an unused substitute in City’s weekend win against Sheffield Wednesday.
Paterson said: “It’s hard to find the words. Having been in and around the training ground over the last few weeks training, it’s what I’ve been hopeful of.
“I’ve always wanted to play for Coventry, as everyone knows, being a Coventry fan as a kid, it sounds really corny, but it really is a dream come true.
“I had a season ticket from nine to 15-years-old, that was at Highfield Road for a few years and then at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
“The majority of my family are Coventry fans, some of them have got season tickets and some have my friends have as well.
“It was a very easy changing room to come into because I know four or five players who I have played with in the past and they’re not just teammates, they’re really good friends.
“They made me welcome straight away and they’re a really good group of lads and a down to earth group and it’s been really easy to merge into.”
The forward has made just shy of 500 career appearances scoring 82 goals. This includes distinctive spells with Bristol City and Swansea City.
And Coventry fan Paterson is looking forward to playing his part as Frank Lampard’s side aim to secure promotion to the Premier League.
Paterson added: “It would always be an exciting time to be part of this club, but that added bonus of having the opportunity to get promoted with your hometown team, I’m not sure what can beat that in your footballing career.
“To actually be able to play for Coventry is going to be the best feeling I’ve had in my career and one I’m really excited about and it’s something I’ve always wanted.
“To think back as a nine-year-old boy, who used to go home and away following the team, loved everything about Coventry, knew all the songs as a kid and everything like that, it really is a dream come true.
“To score for Coventry and have the fans sing my name would be amazing and that’s exactly what I want and is what I’ve always wanted in my career.
“For Coventry fans to sing my name would be extra special and I’m hoping they warm to me straightaway.”
Paterson could make his Coventry debut against Preston North End this weekend (Saturday, February 22, kick-off 3pm).
