Otis
Well-Known Member
Coventry City boss Steven Pressley insists there is no way back for the 'Broadstreet Five' – but he has no complaints with them standing firm on their contracts.
Of the eight players told they were surplus to requirements at the end of last season, Jordan Clarke has been successfully reassimilated into the first team while Cody Macdonald and David Bell have moved on.
But the remaining members of the “Bomb Squad” – Chris Dunn, William Edjenguele, Kevin Malaga, Steven Jennings and Gary McSheffrey – continue to train at Binley Woods, even though the club’s transfer embargo has left Pressley short of experienced options, particularly in defence.
'We didn’t anticipate the situation dragging on as it has,” admitted the manager. “We had hoped a decision would be made before we returned for pre-season training. But in order to make changes you have to do certain things and once you’ve done that it’s very difficult to go back on your decision.
“I thought certain steps were necessary in order to move the club on. I wanted to change the level of professionalism and that includes body composition, fitness, the way we go about things – with certain individuals I wasn’t happy with those levels.
“But I don’t think any of them are bad lads, far from it. And don’t let anybody think they’re happy just sitting there taking their money because they’re not. They’re actively trying to leave the football club.
“There have been inquiries about several of them and their agents are working hard to get them out but they won’t leave until they’ve got something to go on to and I’ve got no problem with that.'
Two things jump out at me there. 1. It means having to throw untried kids in if and when injuries occur. Huge, huge gamble that, and 2. Us fans all anticipated the situation dragging on, so why Steven Pressley didn't I have no idea.'
Of the eight players told they were surplus to requirements at the end of last season, Jordan Clarke has been successfully reassimilated into the first team while Cody Macdonald and David Bell have moved on.
But the remaining members of the “Bomb Squad” – Chris Dunn, William Edjenguele, Kevin Malaga, Steven Jennings and Gary McSheffrey – continue to train at Binley Woods, even though the club’s transfer embargo has left Pressley short of experienced options, particularly in defence.
'We didn’t anticipate the situation dragging on as it has,” admitted the manager. “We had hoped a decision would be made before we returned for pre-season training. But in order to make changes you have to do certain things and once you’ve done that it’s very difficult to go back on your decision.
“I thought certain steps were necessary in order to move the club on. I wanted to change the level of professionalism and that includes body composition, fitness, the way we go about things – with certain individuals I wasn’t happy with those levels.
“But I don’t think any of them are bad lads, far from it. And don’t let anybody think they’re happy just sitting there taking their money because they’re not. They’re actively trying to leave the football club.
“There have been inquiries about several of them and their agents are working hard to get them out but they won’t leave until they’ve got something to go on to and I’ve got no problem with that.'
Two things jump out at me there. 1. It means having to throw untried kids in if and when injuries occur. Huge, huge gamble that, and 2. Us fans all anticipated the situation dragging on, so why Steven Pressley didn't I have no idea.'