I'm not sure that this is true. All of the rumblings coming out of the camp during the summer suggested that we were going for this formation, and Kyel Reid, who signed relatively early, mentioned that he was particularly looking forward to playing as part of a front three in the new system but could also slot in at wingback if required...
Tony Mowbray has challenged latest Coventry City signing Kyel Reid to add goals to his game.
The Sky Blues boss has handed
the 28-year-old winger a two-year deal at the Ricoh Arena where he plans to play him out wide as well as in a more direct striking role to get goals.
“He’s a good footballer and I think he will be versatile for us so I am happy enough with that,” said Mowbray of the former Bradford City star.
“I think can play in that role that Ryan Haynes has been playing wide on the left and attacking as well as left of the front three.
“Ryan needs competition as well and Kyel can do that job but I’ve had a good chat with him about adding goals to his game. Watching him in training he can jink past players and shoot.
“He started as a striker and I remember watching him as a youngster playing for West Ham and when he went to Bradford they had some big centre-forwards with people like James Hanson so he was given the job of getting the ball in the box.
“So hopefully he can bring his talent to the team to help us score goals as well as create them.”
Reid became a free agent after leaving Preston North End at the end of the season, having been on loan at his former club Bradford City last term.
He told the club website: “I’m a player that likes to excite, I like to get fans off their feet.
"As soon as I get the ball I look to go forward and run with it, using my pace to create. The game at the Ricoh last year was probably one of my better ones.
“I’d like to play as part of a front three, because I want to be on the scoresheet. I’d just be happy to get out there and put the shirt on and be helping the team to compete for the points we need to be at the top of the table.
“You’ve probably seen that I finished on four goals last year but I want to top that. My stats suggest I got the most amount of crosses in the league last season, and I’m looking to kick on from there really.
"The manager has bought me here to score goals and there is no better feeling than scoring for your team, if I get between eight and ten I’d be happy.”
He added: “The way the manager wants to attack the league this year was exciting for me and the new formation is something for me to look forward to. It is a style of play I’m used to from my time at West Ham and the England youth setup.
“It gives players like me a chance to express themselves. I want to repay the favour and the gaffer’s faith in me by producing on the pitch.
“Tony is a great manager, very experienced. He’s managed some top sides. And the club itself is massive. It’s just about me doing my bit now to ensure the club gets back to where it needs to be.”
