Following yesterdays long awaited news with regard to Tony Mowbray signing a permanent contract as Coventry City manager we at PSB Group have been thinking about the players that could potentially be on his radar.
Although it still looks unlikely that the club will be spending any money on transfer fees the likelihood is that Mowbray will have a reasonable budget to spend on wages.
Looking at the various lists of players being released there are without doubt a few decent names being banded about by fans and media alike as potential free transfers.
There's definitely some talent out there. Admittedly some may require a big wage but if they are signing for FREE then there's little doubt that there is money available to play with in terms of wages.
Here are just a few suggestions from PSB as to players who could be available and who we think could make a difference.
1. Chris Kirkland - It remains to be seen if Chris is to be offered another deal at Sheffield Wednesday or if he is happy to remain their 2nd choice keeper behind Kieren Westwood. It was widely reported that he was happy to join us in a loan deal last season but that didn't materialise. We believe that he would be a fantastic addition for Lee Burge to learn his trade off. Admittedly he has had his fair share of injury set backs but that is the risk you take. If he could stay injury free he would be a great signing.
2. Steven Bywater
The former Coventry City loanee has been released by Doncaster and would give Burge great competition for the No.1 jersey. Can he still do a job ? We believe he could and would expect his wages to be more in city's budget than Chris Kirkland
3. Joe Murphy
Huddersfield have reportedly said he is available to go if he wants first team football which he is not getting there. Could a return be on the cards ? Would wages be a problem ? Certainly worth pursuing we think.
4. Jamie Ward -Derby have decided to release Jamie who in our opinion would be a coup for any team in League One. The Northern Ireland international can play anywhere across the midfield and wide areas whilst also able to play up top. He's also got the potential to be a decent player that can score goals by sitting behind the strikers in an attacking formation similar to that which Tony Mowbray likes to play. Our verdict is SIGN HIM UP!
5. Jay Emannuel Thomas
Jay was tipped for big things but thus far has been a player that rightly fits the label " failed to live up to the hype". However at a club like Coventry under Tony Mowbray we believe he could excel as a player and be a huge hit. He has age on his side too and would be a real asset for any team in this league. The only stumbling block would be wages but we ask the question "how ambitious are we to get out of this league ? You don't get promoted without spending a penny.
6. Nicky Maynard.
Nicky is another player that has failed to live up to the hype. Cardiff City have agreed to release him after a disastrous spell there where he has been plagued with injuries. Would he come to a League One side? We are sure he would have one or two offers in the Championship from teams willing to take the risk but never say never in football. He would certainly be an ambitious target for City but he is available and his name is being banded about by a lot of City fans. Definitely a player who would improve the team but in our opinion probably an unrealistic target.
7. Leon Clarke
Now love him or hate him he is certainly a player that left City on bad terms. He handled his move poorly and then realised that the grass is not not always greener on the other side. Yes he earnt a considerable amount of money in a short space of time when going back to Wolves but his football career took a turn for the worse. Would he be open to a return back to the Ricoh, we think he might. He left when we were playing at Sixfields so surely the club is more attractive now on the back of the Ricoh return and with the appointment of Tony Mowbray. He has the class to unlock defences in this league and could be a great signing.
8. Ian Harte.
This is a player that has been around for what seems like forever but he never seems to age. He is a fantastic pro that has obviously lookedafter himself. He could he be a very experienced wise head to have in the city defender. A player that could certainly teach Ryan Haynes a thing or two. Does he have one more challenge left in him or would he turn out to be the next Danny Pugh ?
9. John Eustace.
Now John nearly rejoined City last year and looked set to go full circle on his career and finish where he first started. The likes of Conor Thomas have certainly gone off the boil recently. Could John be the tough tackling midfielder that City have been crying out for all season ? In our opinion he would be a decent signing
10. Craig McKail Smith
Brighton have released Craig who is a player that works hard and has the ability to unlock defences especially in League One. We feel sure he won't be short of offers. Maybe an ideal player playing alongside a Leon Clarke type forward. He is someone we believe would be well worth a look at but again wages could prove to much.
So will Mowbray sign any of our suggested players or has he got a few surprises up his sleeve. Whatever happens it promises to be a very interesting and hopefully exciting summer.