Football returns to the SoL tomorrow, as Sunderland host Coventry City. Who better to chat to than Coventry fan and member of the Sky Blues Extra podcast Wardy?
It's the opening day of the season! Are you looking forward to the match, and will you be travelling up?
I’m absolutely buzzing for the game– it’s been a nice break from football but now ready to spend my weekends travelling up and down the country watching the Sky Blues. Sunday is a mouth-watering game to open the season and I’m excited for the occasion.
How have pre-season preparations gone so far for Coventry?
Preparations couldn’t have gone much better in truth. We’ve had a very good pre-season, winning every game and only conceding two goals. We’ve added some quality where needed and haven’t sold any of our stars at time of writing so all in all it’s been a good summer. I hope that translates into a good season.
Who are those quality signings?
We’ve made a handful of signings – mainly loans to sure up our defence in the form of Jonathan Panzo, Callum Doyle (who you know very well) and Tayo Adaramola. We also signed Kasey Palmer from Bristol City on a permanent deal, who will give Callum O’Hare some support and much needed respite this season. With regards to outgoings we let the likes of Jordan Shipley and Jodi Jones go who, although being very popular with the fans, have struggled a bit at this level. The key thing is that as I write this, we still have Gus Hamer, Viktor Gyokeres and Callum O’Hare on our books. 'The big three' as they are known at Coventry are instrumental to how we play, and I am counting down every second to the transfer window slamming shut.
What are your thoughts on gaffer Mark Robins?
This man has already earned legend status at Coventry. He took over in 2017 when the club was on its knees about to be relegated to League Two. He led us out at Wembley when we won the Checkatrade Trophy and the following season we bounced straight back, winning promotion through the play-offs. We haven’t really looked back, and another promotion saw us get back to the Championship. We’ve since established ourselves at this level and now looking to push on. He could be the next manager to take a club from League Two to the Premier League, since Eddie Howe's enormous feat which started back in 2008.
Who will be the dangerman for you guys this season?
Viktor Gyokeres – strong, powerful, quick, has a finish on him. Vik scored 18 goals last season but it should have been far more. If he can push on this season, I can see him challenging for top goal scorer in the league.
Does the team have any big weaknesses?
Not particularly although it will be interesting to see how our defence get on as it’s a lot of new players gelling together. If I had to pick a weakness, I’d probably say down the right hand side – Dabo isn’t quite as dynamic as he was in League One.
Which Sunderland player could cause you damage?
Ross Stewart – his goals tally from last season speaks for itself.
If you could sign any Sunderland player, who would it be and why?
Same as above I’d say – Ross Stewart. Strikers who know where the goal is are hard to come by and cost a lot. He’s a good age as well.
Has former SAFC loanee Callum Doyle played in pre-season?
He’s looked good in the limited amount he’s played. Looks to be a tidy player who is very comfortable with the ball at his feet and likes to play out. He’s a lot taller and more physical than what I imagined with his age and how young he looks facially.
What do you think about the Sky Blues signing him on loan?
It’s a good signing for us – I would imagine he’ll be utilised more as a backup but with so many games crammed in this season it’s key that back up players can cut it. I think he suits the way we play in terms of playing out from the back and I think his League One experience will serve him well.
How has former Sunderland striker Martyn Waghorn done at Coventry?
If I’m being honest, he hasn’t set the world alight. We thought we’d see a lot more from Waghorn but he had a bit of a disappointing season last term. I’m not sure how he fits into the plans - he could be 4th or even 5th choice striker this season.
What's your score prediction and who will get the goals?
5-4… Nah only messing! I’m going to be boring and go for a 1-1. Ross Stewart to score for you and Callum O’Hare to get ours.
It's early, but where do you predict both sides to finish at the end of this season?
I'll go for Coventry to miss out on play-offs and finish 9th, with Sunderland having a solid season at 15th.
