By CovSid67
August 4 2006

I'm concerned. While pre-season results might not have all gone our way, there has been a definite improving of the squad over the summer .... and that has led to some optimism. Like a Kevin Phillips shot, I hope that optimism isn't mis-placed (I also hope I don't come to regret saying that should he sign for Sunderland before Sunday!).

We're now three months into 'Operation Premiership' (Admittedly, without a ball being kicked!), and whereas previous chairmen have expected management to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear, the current board have actually backed the manager with money not words. This time they will have a valid reason to be concerned should we not enjoy a decent season....

The players we've brought in look far better than the players they are replacing, though we will have to hope that they can steer clear of injuries - something that at least three of them have failed to do over recent seasons. We've added height and pace, as well as ability, to a squad that lacked all three last season!

Despite finishing just outside the play-off places last season, Mickey Adams has obviously identified the defence as the weak link in the team (And rightly so), bringing in cover for all positions (With Bischoff able to play at full-back or in the centre of defence). Much as people seemed to like Richard Shaw, his replacements look a far better option at the back.

Bringing in players such as Ward and Bischoff will give the back four a far more solid look, and if we could only have brought Marton Fulop in again, we could have been real contenders. Maybe we still will be? The fact that Fulop hasn't signed for us, whether it be on loan or permanently, is a major disappointment - especially as he is still saying he wants to move to us (I doubt there would be too many Premiership players on that list!).

Luke Steele has been brought back in on loan today, and it's to be hoped he's improved, and ironed out the errors of a few seasons back, as Coventry City supporters have long, harsh memories. Remember kiddies, he' still only a youngster! (Mickey Adams had stated that the lack of back-up for the goalkeeping position wasn't a worry (Though it concerned me!), as Coventry City intend to keep the ball in the opposition half throughout matches (Okay, he didn't say that last bit....).

It was revealed on CWR tonight that Adams' did try to sign West Ham's Stephen Bywater, who, as well as having also been at Coventry City on loan previously, was part of the WHU defence (Along with Ward) that gained promotion 15 months ago. Re-uniting them would have seemed like a good idea to me. Alas, I'm not in charge of the club....

Like Steele, Bywater's Coventry City career started impressively, but being overworked due to constant poor defending took its toll. He would probably have benefited from a strong back four in front of him, but Steele it is....

Adams has significantly strengthened the midfield too, bringing in three new players .... five new players (After his swoop today!), giving those that thought they only had to turn up to get a game proper competition for places. Jay Tabb looks as if he could terrorise Championship defences, while Colin Cameron (A quality replacement for Dennis Wise) alongside Doyle looks capable of annoying most midfields!

While Andrews can play as a striker, Adams' has been unable to properly strengthen the striking position over the summer, despite reportedly showing an interest in Kuqi, Horsfield, and Kyle. So a lot will also depend on Stern John, and it will be interesting to see if his quality form from the end of last season continues, or, whether that vast improvement was because of the World Cup, as some cynics suggested!

The club have (At the time of writing) managed to hold onto Gary McSheffrey, though it would have been interesting to see what their response would have been had Birmingham City offered £4 million up-front (According to iccoventry, they bid fairly close to that today). Seventeen goals from left midfield is some total - with far fewer of those coming from the penalty spot than some seem to think! Unless somebody offers silly money, I would try and hold onto him for at least one more season.

Despite being told they could leave, it looks as if Andy Morrell and Claus Jorgensen will start the season at the club, though just how close to the first team they will get is anybodies guess. Nottingham Forest were said to be interested in Morrell, though new boss Colin Calderwood has stated he will give those players already at the club a chance to show what they can do - if he doesn't really want him, why not just say so?! And haven't they shown what they can do by failing to gain promotion last season?!

We now have a fairly big squad, though with those selfish fat-cats in the Premiership wanting the reserve league to themselves, meaning our second string have nobody to play, keeping them all happy could become a problem. As will be paying their wages! (Though I doubt the money made from reserve fixtures covered even one wage).

Last season we finished eighth - with a better side, surely a Top 6 finish isn't too much to ask for? Starting our season before November this season might help! Playing to our strengths might also help. And not playing people horrendously out of position could also benefit the side....

I won't bother guessing where we will finish the season, as the only thing you can predict about Coventry City is that they are unpredictable! Somewhere between first and twenty-fourth is as much as I will commit myself too....

The (Delayed!) opening of the Arena was as much as we had to look forward to last August. This season a team that looks capable of competing, at a ground fit for the Premiership, is something to look forward to. Only Coventry City can spoil things now.