After missing out on the play-offs during the 2023/24 season, Mark Robins and his Coventry City side will be looking to be in the mix to win promotion when the new campaign gets underway.
The Sky Blues were losing play-off finalists in 2023, but finished 9th in 2024, instead having some success in the FA Cup where they reached the semi-final, and would have beaten eventual winners Manchester United but for a contentious disallowed goal.
| Championship Table 2023/24 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position | Club | P | GD | Pts |
| 6th | Norwich City | 46 | 15 | 73 |
| 7th | Hull City | 46 | 8 | 70 |
| 8th | Middlesbrough | 46 | 9 | 69 |
| 9th | Coventry City | 46 | 11 | 64 |
| 10th | Preston | 46 | -11 | 63 |
| 11th | Bristol City | 46 | 2 | 62 |
Despite missing out on the play-offs, there’s still plenty of feel-good factor at the CBS Arena, and the club will look to improve their playing squad this summer, having already made one signing with the arrival of Raphael Borges Rodrigues.
With this in mind, here is how Coventry City could line up next summer after a dream transfer window.
GK – Brad Collins
Goalkeeper Brad Collins joined from Barnsley last summer, and despite starting as second choice goalkeeper, he outed Ben Wilson and made the number one shirt his own.
In total, Collins made 31 appearances last season, including starts in the FA Cup quarter-final and semi-final, and has done enough to be Mark Robins’ number one again next season.
RWB – Milan van Ewijk
Another one of Coventry City’s 2023 arrivals, Milan van Ewijk performed well for the Sky Blues last season after joining from Heerenveen, scoring twice and registering five assists in his 49 games.
The 23-year-old will only continue to get better in the coming seasons, and with a lack of depth in his position at right-back, the Dutchman should be holding down his position once more.
CB – Bobby Thomas
Centre-back Bobby Thomas joined from Burnley last summer, and was a mainstay at the back for Coventry City, playing 44 league games.
His performances have impressed the Sky Blue army, and the 23-year-old looks set to have a big future in the game. Thanks to his showings in 2023-24, Thomas will certainly be in Mark Robins’ starting XI come August when the new campaign gets underway.
CB – Charlie Cresswell
After falling out of favour under Daniel Farke at Leeds United, Charlie Cresswell could be looking to move this summer to get his career back on track.
The 21-year-old played just five league games this season, despite being a more than capable Championship defender.
Cresswell could replace Liam Kitching, who hasn’t performed badly since joining from Barnsley last summer, but has been sent off three times, so discipline is a concern for him.
As a talented, young centre-half who is out of favour, Coventry should look to bring Cresswell to the club for perhaps a cut-price fee.
LB – Joel Latibeaudiere
Robins has a bit of an issue at left-back – Jake Bidwell and Jay Dasilva didn’t really stand out last season, so the answer may be to deploy Latibeaudiere in the role as an inverted full-back.
The versatile Jamaican international joined as a free agent last summer after leaving Swansea City, and has performed well – even being trusted to wear the captain’s armband on a number of occasions for Mark Robins’ side last season.
With this in mind, Robins will want him in the starting XI one way or another, and after making 48 appearances last season, the former Man City defender could now try out a different
