THE DEPARTURE of Callum Wilson comes as a big blow to the Sky Blues but you cannot begrudge the choice he has made to deservedly progress his career at Bournemouth at a much higher level, writes Observer sports editor Steve Carpenter.
A total of 22 goals in all competitions last season and an attitude which was to be admired, Wilson is one of very few players who have departed the Sky Blues on impeccable terms and I am sure all fans will wish him all the very best for the future.
It seems Wilson had a choice. There’s no doubt that Norwich City were offering more money having recently tasted the delights of parachute payments which continue to bridge the gap between the top three divisions.
But Bournemouth were providing first team football under the stewardship of one of the brightest young managers in the game.
Thankfully he chose the likeable south coast club and what made his move more admirable were his positive comments about the likes of Steven Pressley and Steven Waggott.
I firmly believe these two are the best thing to have happened to the Sky Blues in recent years and they can be trusted to spend a large chunk of Wilson’s fee to bring to right calibre of player to the club.
It’s been a busy few days at Ryton with the introduction five signings, some of which have joined on loan deals.
The one that stands out so far for me is former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international Jim O’Brien.
He was one of only a few players that impressed me when the Sky Blues came from behind to beat Barnsley in the FA Cup last season and he comes in highly rated both as a professional on and off the pitch from Barnsley fans.
O’Brien could be a huge player in League One next season and at 26 he’ll be looking to prove any doubters wrong by getting back to the Championship as quickly as possible.
With more deals in the pipeline and as many of us look to plan ahead after Sunday when the World Cup comes to a tragic end, perhaps for the first time in several years it could be the Sky Blues’ activity in the transfer market that provides us with our much-needed football fix over the off-season. PUSB!
