ANOTHER disappointing season has come to an end for the Sky Blues following last Sunday’s ‘survival Sunday’ at Crawley Town.
Our sports editor Steve Carpenter makes an honest assessment of the first team regulars who are out of contract this summer and gives his honest thoughts on who should stay and who he would throw out of the Ricoh exit door.
JORDAN WILLIS – The tough-tackling defender made a fantastic start to the campaign with a series of impressive performances at right-back.
His form seemed to dip after the Christmas break, which included a spell on the sidelines due to a ligament injury.
But the academy graduate has already shown plenty of promise and can continue his development next season.
Verdict – STAY
DANNY PUGH – The experienced defender had his season cut short due to injury which was a terrible shame because he showed great promise as a left-wing back early on.
Both Steven Pressley and Tony Mowbray have both heaped praise on Pugh’s impact as an experienced squad player but I strongly doubt he’ll be around for another season.
Verdict – GO
ANDY WEBSTER – Like Pugh, Webster has injected much-needed experience into the squad but the Scottish defender has found his first team opportunities limited towards the back end of this season.
At 33 the Scottish defender isn’t getting any younger and will provide leadership both on and off the pitch, but I feel his time at the club will come to an end this summer.
Verdict – GO
REDA JOHNSON – A frustrating debut season for the former Sheffield Wednesday player who looked the part early on after scoring three goals in seven league appearances with the Sky Blues pushing towards the top six.
But his sending off away at Scunthorpe back in September, in what many see as a pivotal defeat, seemed to shape the club’s season and injuries limited Johnson to just 22 appearances in all competitions.
Verdict – STAY
CHRIS STOKES – Stokes has made 16 appearances since joining from Forest Green and he has successfully made the step up from the Vanarama Conference.
Clearly liked by manager Tony Mowbray, Stokes no doubt found his time at the Ricoh Arena as a learning curve it would be no surprise to see him back in a Sky Blues shirt next season.
Verdict – STAY
ADAM BARTON – Another mixed campaign for Barton who struggled to hold down a regular spot in central midfield.
But on a good pitch and with the right players around him the former Preston midfielder can produce the goods. His performances this season have seen him tend to disappear particularly in the second period of matches.
But on his arrival Mowbray singled out Barton for praise and a new deal looks likely.
Verdict – STAY
BLAIR TURGOTT – The former West Ham United prospect was tipped for a bright future in the game but it hasn’t quite gone that way.
Still young and clearly hungry to succeed, Turgott has produced a series of impressive performance for the club’s under-21s and has shown glimpses to earn another short term deal.
Verdict – STAY
FRANK NOUBLE – A frustrating player at the best of times, Nouble showed glimpses of his potential this season but those moments always seemed to be followed by simple and frustrating errors.
Seven goals in 34 appearances is not seen as a good return for the 23-year-old who was always well supported by the fans but I fear don’t think he’s done enough to warrant a new deal.
Verdict – GO
SIMEON JACKSON – Came to the Sky Blues with high hopes as a prolific goalscorer and with Premiership experience but he has simply failed to live up to those expectations.
Out of all of the summer signings Jackson has been the most disappointing having scored just three times in 17 starts since moving on a free transfer from Millwall.
Verdict – GO
MARCUS TUDGAY – A frustrating season for Tudgay but he played his part by scoring important goals at home to Scunthorpe United and on the final day of the season at Crawley.
His clever link up play went unnoticed at times and I feel his experience could be valuable at this level next season.
Verdict – STAY
