This article is part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk’ series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
As Coventry City prepares to build on a season of ups and downs, there are certain clear priorities for the summer transfer market.
For many fans, the most pressing need is to strengthen the left-back position, a long-standing imbalance that has seen the Sky Blues juggle between two opposing possibilities.
Jay Dasilva provides energy and attacking intent but leaves gaps defensively, whereas Jake Bidwell provides steadiness at the back but lacks the vitality required in advanced areas.
With Harry Toffolo allegedly available on a free transfer from Nottingham Forest, there is growing hope that Coventry can finally find a more balanced option in that position, as revealed exclusively by Football League World.
During the raid, there is a desire to see Conor Chaplin return to the club.
Sky Blues set sights on more balanced option at left-back
Considering Coventry’s transfer plans, Football League World asked resident Sky Blues expert Chris Deez for his thoughts on what would be a banker for the club this summer.
“I think there are two things that are dead certain bankers for the summer,” Deez told FLW.
“We really need to sort out our left-back position – I adore Jay Dasilva, he had a fantastic end to the season, and I’m delighted he’s been called up by Wales – he deserves it – but he’s not a great defender. He’s fantastic at moving forward, but not so good on defense.
“And then you have Jake Bidwell, who is the polar opposite. He’s an excellent defender, but he can’t get forward; he no longer has the legs for it, and he can’t do it more than a few times per week.
“I believe we absolutely need an all-rounder, and Toffolo from Nottingham Forest has been linked. I really like that. I’d love him; if he’s willing to accept a pay reduction from the 35k (per week) he’s believed to be on, he might be a terrific signing for us, with a lot of experience.”
| The final Championship table | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position | Team | Played | Goal difference | Points |
| 4 | Sunderland | 46 | +14 | 76 |
| 5 | Coventry City | 46 | +6 | 69 |
| 6 | Bristol City | 46 | +4 | 68 |
Deez also mentioned a potential problem at the other end of the pitch: “And then the other banker, I believe there will be a lot of movement up the top of the pitch for us with the attackers, the strikers.
“It’s been a strange season because Haji Wright ended up being our leading scorer. Despite being out for four months, he returned, scored a hat-trick against Sunderland, and appeared to be on his way to the Premier League, only to disappear for three and a half hours during the play-offs.
“And Ellis Simms is extremely similar; he had a wonderful season with Haji Wright the previous season, but he was bad this season. He differs from the average striker in that he is good at creating space and leading defenders away, but his job is to score goals, which he does not accomplish.
“I would like to bring back Connor Chaplin from Ipswich. I think it’s criminal how little he was used in the Premier League, and I’d like to think the opportunity to work under Lampard would tempt him to return.”
Coventry City face key decisions in striker department
Beyond the left flank, uncertainties remain concerning Coventry’s striking force.
While Haji Wright finished the season as top scorer and Ellis Simms continues to divide opinion, issues with consistency and reliability up front have risen.
Deez does not mince words when expressing his concerns about the present options, but he also sees opportunities.
Whether it’s reinvesting from outgoings or luring players like Connor Chaplin back to the Sky Blues, top-level recruitment appears to be just as important as eventually resolving the left-back conundrum.
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