No repeat of the bomb squad at Coventry City
Steven Pressley says unwanted players will 'remain involved' until they find new clubs
Coventry City boss Steven Pressley has hinted that there will be no repeat of last summer’s ‘bomb squad’ after telling his players whether or not they have a future at the club.
Pressley sat down with his squad at Ryton today to tell them if they fit into his plans for next season.
He is expected to have told some players to find themselves new clubs as he reshapes his squad, just as he did last summer when several players were moved on as the wage bill was roughly halved from around £4million.
But it looks unlikely there will be a repeat of the decision that saw eight outcasts, including Gary McSheffrey, William Edjenguele, Steven Jennings and Kevin Malaga, forced to train at Broadstreet Rugby Club, away from the first-team squad.
“I obviously cannot disclose exactly what has been discussed with each individual but I will say that all players are clear as to what to expect after the summer and those players not necessarily part of our plans going forward will remain involved with the first team until there comes a point where they may look to further their careers elsewhere,” the Sky Blues manager said.
“Some may be more involved than others going forward but we have had some very constructive discussions between myself, the players and development director Steve Waggott which means we can push on with our plans over the course of the summer and in the lead up to pre-season.”
Pressley, who didn’t meet midfielder John Fleck and defender Dan Seaborne who were both unable to attend due to illness, made it clear he wants to keep out-of-contract goalkeeper Joe Murphy and midfielder Mark Marshall.
“With regards to Joe we have made it clear, not just today but in the past few weeks, that we would very much like him to stay with us,” he added.
“He has produced some excellent performances for us this season and we hold him in high regard but with him being a free agent in the summer he is obviously free to look into moves elsewhere.
“His contract with us, however, runs up to the end of June so we will continue to do all we can.
“We have also spoken to Mark who has done very well since signing a short-term deal with us. We will continue to hold discussions with him regarding his future and whether or not that future lies here.”