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http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sp...coventry-city-transfers-tony-mowbray-11496019
Sky Blues boss isn't expecting any big names arriving this summer as he closes in on his first signing
City hope to attract what technical director Mark Venus calls ‘marquee’ players, by which he means good quality recruits from the Championship. But although Cole – now playing for Tampa Bay Rowdies – has suggested he would be open to a short-term return during the US close-season, there are no more household names in the frame.
“We have identified footballers that we’d like,” said Mowbray, “and I hope that it’s because they are good players that they have got options and are not necessarily in a rush to commit themselves, if that makes sense.
“But I’m really positive that if we get them then we’ll have a really good go at it this year. Let’s wait and see. We want to stick to our targets. If they don’t come off then we have to look again but there are no more Joe Coles lined up to sign.”
Mowbray and Venus have met many of their primary choices and done their homework on their characters. But it’s clear there are hundreds of back-up options out there should they not fall into place, out-of-contract players from the UK and Europe looking to for new clubs.
“Agents are throwing a million names at the positions we’re trying to fill and yet I’d rather go for the players that we have identified and looked at,” said Mowbray, who is having to be patient as his preferred players weigh up their options.
“If we can get these three, or get this back four or do this or that with the midfield then I’ll be happy and then you can go to war, almost, with the ones you want.
“If you don’t get them then you start to wonder whether such and such is going to fit the bill or get someone in to have a look at them in pre-season.”
The manager admits it’s a delicate situation with players who may not be his first choice wanting a decision as he waits to hear from others and, ultimately, that means some will fall by the wayside.
“Sometimes you can push too hard,” he said.
“Sometimes players wants answers and, as I have done, you end up saying ‘no.’
“The agent might ask you if you’re going to sign him because if not he’s going to so and so and sometimes you just have to say, ‘that’s fine, let him go’ and wish them good luck.”
Sky Blues boss isn't expecting any big names arriving this summer as he closes in on his first signing
City hope to attract what technical director Mark Venus calls ‘marquee’ players, by which he means good quality recruits from the Championship. But although Cole – now playing for Tampa Bay Rowdies – has suggested he would be open to a short-term return during the US close-season, there are no more household names in the frame.
“We have identified footballers that we’d like,” said Mowbray, “and I hope that it’s because they are good players that they have got options and are not necessarily in a rush to commit themselves, if that makes sense.
“But I’m really positive that if we get them then we’ll have a really good go at it this year. Let’s wait and see. We want to stick to our targets. If they don’t come off then we have to look again but there are no more Joe Coles lined up to sign.”
Mowbray and Venus have met many of their primary choices and done their homework on their characters. But it’s clear there are hundreds of back-up options out there should they not fall into place, out-of-contract players from the UK and Europe looking to for new clubs.
“Agents are throwing a million names at the positions we’re trying to fill and yet I’d rather go for the players that we have identified and looked at,” said Mowbray, who is having to be patient as his preferred players weigh up their options.
“If we can get these three, or get this back four or do this or that with the midfield then I’ll be happy and then you can go to war, almost, with the ones you want.
“If you don’t get them then you start to wonder whether such and such is going to fit the bill or get someone in to have a look at them in pre-season.”
The manager admits it’s a delicate situation with players who may not be his first choice wanting a decision as he waits to hear from others and, ultimately, that means some will fall by the wayside.
“Sometimes you can push too hard,” he said.
“Sometimes players wants answers and, as I have done, you end up saying ‘no.’
“The agent might ask you if you’re going to sign him because if not he’s going to so and so and sometimes you just have to say, ‘that’s fine, let him go’ and wish them good luck.”