Donovan's The Man

Last updated : 19 May 2007 By Covsupport

Iain Dowie's first signing of the close season is Donovan Simmonds. Picked up at the Exit Trials and having impressed Tim Flowers at the games at Leamington and Nuneaton where he scored twice, the eighteen year old released by Charlton Athletic has been given a year by the Sky Blues.

"He's been released by Charlton Athletic so Iain knew him from there and he was to be honest, by far and away the pick of the lads at the trials," said Tim Flowers. "I think a lot of clubs would have taken him but he fancied us and he is a good size,got a bit of pace,is quite sharp and has good feet.

"He's only eighteen so he has got a lot to learn but we have two ex strikers on our coaching staff in the gaffer and Frankie Bunn who will work with him next year. "He is a bit of a wild card but if he can progress and add a bit of power to his pace he'll do all right. "We've got him for nothing so we'll see how it goes."

City have been linked with Leyton Orient's Luke Gutteridge. The midfielder is out of a short term contract at Brisbane Road after moving to East London from Southend.