Ahead of Michael Beale’s first game in charge we spoke to Dean Atkinson from the Sky Blues Extra Podcast to see how things are going for Coventry at the minute as well as a preview for the game.
What are your thoughts surrounding your goalkeeper situation, with Bradley Collins seemingly overtaking Ben Wilson’s role as the number one?
“I don’t think there are many clubs or managers actively looking to replace the previous season’s golden glove winner but that’s what we found ourselves doing during the summer when Brad Collins came into the club. Ben Wilson is a brilliant shot stopper and a terrific leader but is very much held back with his technical ability on the ball and his distribution. It sounds mad saying that about a goalkeeper, but that’s modern-day football for you and it’s the way Mark Robins wants to play the game. Heading into the season, I don’t think there was much doubt amongst both the staff and fans that Wilson deserved to keep the number one slot and to see his possible development in the areas he lacks but after a string of poor performances and some scary moments with the ball the decision was made to bring Collins into the fold which has been very successful in this short period. His distribution has been miles above what Wilson has been able to achieve, along with some really good saves and positioning so it’s been a worthwhile change and one I expect to stick for the remainder of the campaign."
We’ve had some pretty good games in the past, what would you say is your favourite between the two sides?
"I am torn between two, and unfortunately for you guys they are both Coventry victories. The first was the 1-0 victory just before the Covid shutdown in 2020. It was a super team performance from us that day I thought, and it really cemented the idea that we could go on to win the title that season after beating one of the better teams in the league. And the second would be the 5-4 victory at the Stadium of Light in 2019. It was just pure chaos wasn’t it! There wasn’t a moment to breathe at times in that first half. A crazy game full of good goals, bad defending and some classic shithousery to boot with the winning goal from Chaplin. One for the memory books for sure."
Coventry have hit a good run of form recently, with just one defeat from the last seven, what would you say is the primary reason for this turnaround in fortunes after a run of six games without a win?
"I would put it down to simply our new players finally gelling with each other and to a change in formation. For the past five seasons we have played with three centre halves and a wingback system but that has not worked this season mainly down to the new personnel. However, Robins made a change to a four at the back system after a few erratic performances and it’s worked wonders and completely changed our fortunes."
What style of football do you play?
"Robins has always tried to play slick and attractive football throughout his tenure at the club and this season is no different. He has been adamant that even through the tough period we found ourselves in earlier this season he was never going to shy away from that philosophy and to be fair he has been true to his word. Now with the additions of O’Hare, Palmer and Allen all back from injury, we are seeing more of the style of play that he has found lots of success with over the years. However, he is not afraid of trying to mix it up to counteract when needed. He showed that last week when he put out an ultra-defensive team away at Leeds which worked to a tee to come away with a hard fought point."
Do you think there’s any chance of you repeating last season and getting into the play-off spots come the end of the season?
"It would be nice but I think that’s a tall order; mainly for the fact that this is a brand new squad and it will take a bit of time for it all to come together. Robins has alluded to a plan in place which coincides with a new contract he signed in May so I think it’s a more of a long term objective for him at this point. We are missing some quality in key areas too after losing the two best players in the Championship in Viktor Gyokeres and Gus Hamer with the latter not being replaced at all. If we are able to do that in January then who knows, we could be a sneaky outside bet but I think it could be 12 months too soon for this team."
Are you hoping for a point against Sunderland or do you think you should be aiming for all three?
"I think we should be aiming for all three, especially with a new manager in Beale at the helm and the nervousness that will inevitably crop up around that. Our form and recent change in fortunes should also give us optimism too. We have some of the highest performing players in the division in recent weeks too so if they can continue that then I don’t see any reason why we should just be aiming for a draw.
As a side-note, I don’t think we should read too much into the draw earlier in the season at the CBS as some indication of what will happen in this game. Both teams feel completely different to what we witnessed that day which felt a bit cagey and held back at times so I am looking forward to seeing how both teams have progressed in that time."
What’s your score prediction?
"I am confident going into this one and with our recent record against Sunderland and our recent run of good form I am going to go for a 2-1 Coventry victory to spoil the party of Mick Beales first game!"
