Coventry City Set For Major Midfield Boost
Coventry City are set to welcome midfield duo Callum O’Hare and Jamie Allen back to training next week, following their absences as confirmed by Coventry Live journalist Andy Turner.
The midfield pair have been absent for a long time, but they are finally expected to make a comeback, with Jamie Allen particularly close to joining the matchday squad. This will be a huge boost for Mark Robins’ team.
During the international break, both players are anticipated to return to practice, with Allen likely to make the team for the trip to Hull City.
Why have they been absent?
The first player is Callum O’Hare, a playmaker who had an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during a Championship match against Stoke City last December and has not yet returned to group practice following surgery.
Jamie Allen, meantime, developed a major heart condition throughout the offseason, which prevented him from participating in any of the Sky Blues’ preseason games. Despite routinely attending training sessions, he hasn’t played for the team since the play-off final of the previous season.
Was a Hamer replacement needed?
Some Coventry fans who were hoping to see a midfielder join on deadline day were disappointed when the team only signed defender Liam Kitching.
A replacement for Gustavo Hamer didn’t seem to be a top priority for the Sky Blues, though, since Yasin Ayari had just signed on loan, Callum O’Hare and Jamie Allen were almost ready to return, and Joel Latibeaudiere could cover the midfield.
A boost to Sky Blues fans
One of the club’s supporters’ favorite players, Callum O’Hare, will likely offer better talent in the final third. Last season, he made 11 appearances and contributed three assists.
In a similar vein, Jamie Allen had his best season as a professional last year, making 42 appearances across all leagues, contributing to two additional goals while also scoring seven of his own. Behind Gustavo Hamer and Viktor Gyokeres, he was one goal away from becoming the third player to reach double digits in goals and assists in one season.
In a related development:
“Versatile” – Carlton Palmer reacts to Coventry City/Barnsley transfer agreement
On the day before the deadline, Coventry City acquired Barnsley defender Liam Kitching.
Coventry City made a wise choice in bringing in Liam Kitching since the defender impressed last year and has versatility and solid defensive abilities.In helping Barnsley reach the play-off final, Kitching’s connection with Bobby Thomas was crucial, and at only 23 years old, he still has room to grow.With the arrival of Kitching and Thomas as a formidable tandem, Coventry’s outstanding defensive performance from previous season, which included the most clean sheets in the Championship, is anticipated to continue.
Pundit Carlton Palmer believes defender Liam Kitching is a good signing for Coventry City after his deadline day move from Barnsley.
The Tykes rejected a £2.5 million deal from the Sky Blues, who then increased their offer to £3 million, before coming back with a £4 million offer, which was also rejected. The Sky Blues had been after Kitching all summer.
The 23-year-old joined the team on deadline day for a reported sum of over £4 million plus add-ons after Coventry persisted in their chase of him.
Kitching made an impact after moving from Forest Green Rovers to Barnsley in January 2021. In 53 appearances across all competitions, he helped the Reds reach the League One play-off final with four goals and three assists.
After Mads Andersen left for Luton Town in the summer, the defender was chosen the new captain of the Tykes. He was a regular for Neill Collins’ team in the early weeks of the season, making four games and scoring one goal. However, he has since joined the Sky Blues.
What did Carlton Palmer say?
Palmer indicated to Football League World that he thinks Kitching will be a great addition for Coventry in an exclusive interview.
Palmer stated that Coventry had a hectic summer with players departing and joining.
Although he was on loan from Burnley, “they recently recruited Liam Kitching from Barnsley. They had already signed Brad Collins and Bobby Thomas from Barnsley.
“Last season, Kitching and Thomas developed a strong defensive connection that helped Barnsley reach the play-off final before falling to Sheffield Wednesday.
“Kitching is a very good signing. He’s still only 23 years old, versatile, and can play anywhere on the field. He’s also a strong defender who is at ease with the ball in his hands.”
Is Liam Kitching a good signing for Coventry City?
On this point, it is challenging to disagree with Palmer.
For Barnsley, Kitching was a rock-solid and dependable defender last season, ranking among the best in League One. He also scored goals at the opposite end of the field.
He is a player with enormous promise, and as Palmer points out, he is still only 23. If he keeps improving, the price Coventry paid for his services may appear to have been a good deal in the future.
Last season, Kitching and Thomas worked well together with the Tykes, and the Sky Blues are looking defensively solid once more after finishing the Championship season with the most clean sheets.
