Coventry Telegraph Article 4 Season 10/11
By CovSid67
January 3 2011
If the games against Cardiff and QPR were supposed to be a measure of how far Coventry City have come, the answer is nowhere near as far as we would like.
Against Cardiff, with the exception of Kieran Westwood, we simply didn't turn up, and we even allowed Craig Bellamy to score against us, which for some reason bothers a fair few people quite a lot more than if anybody else does so.
On Tuesday, being the better side in the first half against table-topping QPR counted for nothing because possession and chances weren't turned into goals, and the self destruct button was pressed soon after. The result, a third defeat in a row.
Two goals in five games throughout December shows where the side are failing, and one of those was from the penalty spot! (Not that it wasn't celebrated with as much vigour to the goal scored from open play!). The entire midfield is looking weak over recent games, with certain players offering next to nothing, or having simply disappeared.
We're now outside the play-off places, and every side down to sixteenth place has games in hand on us, and are able to go above us (With some sides having three chances to overtake us!). The cynics would say seventeenth place beckons....
Loan signings are unlikely (According to Mr. Boothroyd), and, with the club still not bringing in enough money (According to Mr. Ranson!), quality permanent loan signings are unlikely too - unless funds are brought in by selling our prize asset, Kieran Westwood. Joe Murphy has been linked with us again, which would suggest KW could be off.
Still so close to the play-off positions, in a fairly average division, failing to strengthen the side in January would be an opportunity missed. There is not enough quality in the current squad to maintain a play-off push, but a couple of decent additions could give supporters hope, and the side a chance. Speculate to accumulate?!
As well as staying in the right half of the table, quality offers like six tickets for £60 should see a few more supporters return. There must have been a fair few given as Christmas presents, though once again, as with the Leeds match, the team failed to do enough to make the missing supporters consider coming back more often (Especially at full price!).
What the side badly lacks is an 'entertainer' - especially one that can put in a decent cross! What we wouldn't give to find a 'Peter Ndlovu' now. If anybody knows of one going cheap, please contact the club!
While he would not deserve mentioning in the same breath, the only player in Sky Blue that has come close this season is Francis Laurent! Sadly, our limited budget meant we couldn't afford a player Southend previously could. A fair few think David Bell isn't the answer on the right, and I tend to agree with them....
And before I get shot down, I know FL isn't the answer, but I can't see the club paying out on anybody better, as they would cost more!
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....I'd give a Gary McSheffery, a Lee Carsley, and 3 Mickey Doyles....
PS: I wouldn't say those that suggest a final position of 17th are cynical, just realistic...
PPS: 17th.
