FOOTBALL: NO more players are expected to join Coventry City after Mark Robins made his 12th signing of the summer yesterday.
Robins brought in midfielder Tony Andreu on a two-year deal from Championship side Norwich City yesterday, a deal which received a positive reaction from Sky Blues supporters.
The 29-year old joins Coventry after leaving the Canaries by mutual consent.
And ahead of the Sky Blues’ second League Two fixture tomorrow afternoon against Grimsby, Robins revealed he plans on attracting no more signings – unless any players depart to free up money.
“That’ll be in for the moment. We’ve got to balance books and look at the overall picture,” Robins said.
I’m pleased we got Tony over the line. We’ve been involved quite a while and I’ve been interested for a long time.
“It’s a good signing, Tony is a genuine number ten, can create chance, and score goals.
“We’ll integrate him into the squad as quickly as we can.
“His scoring record is impressive and it can get better. He’s a talented player and someone that can full the gap left by Ruben Lameiras.”
The Sky Blues will be hoping to build on Saturday’s 3-0 win over Notts County at the Ricoh Arena, which got their League Two campaign off to the best possible start.
Despite winning by three goals and recording a clean sheet, Robins said there is always room for improvement.
He specifically made reference to Tuesday night’s Caraboa Cup loss against Blackburn Rovers.
Robins said: “We’ve got a lot of younger players and there’s things we can learn from.
“On Tuesday we played against ‘Championship’ opponents – they showed that.
“Until Rovers’ second goal I believe we matched them.
“For me it’s about attitude and making sure we are at it from the get go. When we’re in possession it’s down to player and what they see. Both games we put bodies on the line and I’m pleased with that.”
Fitness wise the Sky Blues look healthy, with only Ryan Haynes on the treatment table while Jordan Willis reaches the end of a small injury picked up in training at the end of last Tuesday’s training session.
They’ll be added motivation for Robins’ men to perform as they face up to former gaffer Russell Slade’s Grimsby side.
Speaking about his predecessor, Robins said he believes Slade won’t have a point to prove – but said he will want to turn the Sky Blues over.
He said: “Grimsby have good pace and height. We’ll stand up to the challenge.
“It’s their first home game of the season tomorrow. Russell will want to turn us over. We’re ready for the challenge.”
