HOT PROSPECT Jodi Jones is determined to make the most of what he describes as an ‘exciting opportunity’ after joining the Sky Blues on an emergency loan deal until the end of the season.
The highly rated 18-year-old moves to the Ricoh Arena from League Two side Dagenham and Redbridge with a view to make the move permanent in the summer.
Despite his young age, Jones has already made 40 appearances for the Daggers in all competitions and he revealed his decision to move to the Sky Blues was because of the club’s recent success in giving young players a chance to make their mark in the first team.
Jones said: “I can’t wait to get started. It’s a move which really excites me because this is a big club for me to join.
“I broke into the Dagenham and Redbridge team half-way through last season and ever since then, I’ve been playing in the first-team. I’ve made 40 appearances which is quite a lot for someone my age.
“I haven’t been surprised by the impact I’ve made there. I believe in my ability and I’m sure that belief will help me progress at Coventry City.
“It is a big step up from League One to League Two but I’m really looking forward to it, meeting the lads in the changing room and getting on the pitch.
“It is a good move for me as I’ve seen young players get an opportunity here which gives me plenty of confidence joining the club so hopefully I can do the same here.
“I want to get involved and be in and around the first-team. Hopefully, I can work hard in training and catch the eye of the manager to make an impact.”
Jones came through the ranks at the Dagenham and Redbridge Academy and has impressed since making his Football League debut in February 2015 at the age of 17.
He will primarily train with the Under-21s squad and made an impressive start by scoring twice and picking up an assist in the 4-0 win at Bristol on Monday evening.
Both Tony Mowbray and the club’s technical director Mark Venus believe he is the sort of player who will help build a brighter future for the Sky Blues.
Venus added: “We were alerted to Jodi’s ability and potential some time ago, and we’ve tracked his progress since.
“We’ve decided to bring Jodi in now on an emergency loan to work with the squad and enjoy the set-up we’ve got at the club now, looking to make it a permanent deal in the summer.
“I’ve always stated that as a club, we need to be constantly looking at the squad we’re building for the future to make us more competitive in future seasons.
“This deal also shows the club’s ability to attract young and talented players despite interest from plenty of other clubs due to the belief in the project we’re building here.”
