Latest Sky Blues signing Sam Ricketts targets promotion from League One - The Coventry Observer

Latest Sky Blues signing Sam Ricketts targets promotion from League One

Coventry Editorial 7th Jul, 2015 Updated: 28th Oct, 2016   0

PROMOTION is the only thing on Sam Ricketts mind after the experienced defender joined the Sky Blues on a one-year deal this week.

The 33-year-old joins on a free transfer having been released by Wolves last season and brings a wealth of experience to Tony Mowbray’s young side.

Ricketts played in the Premier League with Bolton Wanderers and Hull City and also led former club Wolves to promotion from League One to the Championship back in 2013/14.

He has won 52 caps for Wales and knows what is needed to win promotion back to the second tier of English football.




“You need quality players, a good foundation and to be a side that controls games to get out of this league,” Ricketts told the club’s official website.

“Cut and thrust teams can start well but only last half a season but teams that can control games survive the duration. I feel that the manager will help to promote that passing and controlled style of play.


“Obviously when I got promoted at Wolves that was a great year. It did take a while to get going, it wasn’t until Christmas when we hit full gear and ran away with it.

“I joined here for one big reason, promotion. That’s our aim.”

Ricketts has been a long term target for the Sky Blues with Mowbray failing to bring the versatile defender in on loan last season.

Instead he opted for a short term move to Swindon Town where he helped the Robins to the League One play-off final, where they lost out to Preston.

“I nearly came here on loan last season, but the club kept an interest in me and I spoke to the gaffer a lot.

“That was an influence of course, you always want to be wanted and feel that you can be used to your best potential. The way the gaffer spoke to me, he was someone I wanted to play for.”

Mowbray said he was delighted to have finally landed his target and hinted that Ricketts would become a crucial member of his squad next season.

He added: “Since I joined the club last season, I’ve spoke about the importance of leadership and experience in the dressing room.

“Sam has a wealth of experience at Premier League and Championship level but also captained Wolves to the League One title where he was ever-present.

“He knows what it takes to get out of this division and can play across the back-line as well as in midfield.”

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