The Sky Blues are on the back foot early in the campaign due to this result, but with 45 matches remaining, there’s plenty of time for Mark Robins to steer the season back on track.
While not an ideal start, Coventry has shown in past seasons that a slow beginning can still lead to a strong promotion push in the Championship.
Robins’ squad has had a promising summer, with several new signings brought in to strengthen the team.
A crucial element of their transfer dealings this year is the retention of Ben Sheaf. Earlier reports from *The Sun* suggested that Ipswich Town and Fulham were both vying for the 26-year-old, but no deal has materialized yet.
Sheaf missed the opening day defeat to Stoke City, underscoring his importance to Robins’ side, as Coventry failed to secure any points in his absence.
An ankle ligament injury has sidelined Coventry’s midfield anchor, and Sky Blues supporters are eager for his return, recognizing how crucial he is to their best performances.
While new signing Jack Rudoni made a promising competitive debut, showing some attacking threat from midfield and nearly scoring with one of his first touches, Coventry’s overall performance lacked Sheaf’s work rate off the ball and his creativity from deeper positions.
Robins’ team relies heavily on Sheaf, so his absence places additional pressure on the rest of the squad to fill the void.
Last season, the 26-year-old midfielder posted an 83.9% pass completion rate while completing 8.34 progressive passes per 90 minutes (according to *Fbref*). He also averaged 3.44 shot-creating actions per game, successfully completed 1.22 take-ons, and made 2.19 progressive carries, highlighting how his all-around game bolsters Coventry’s attacking prowess.
Losing Sheaf to a promotion rival or a Premier League side would be a significant setback to the club’s promotion ambitions, especially considering his equally impressive defensive contributions.
| Ben Sheaf’s Coventry City midfield stats 2023/24 – per Fbref.com | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Stat | Per 90 | ||
| Passes Attempted | 64.98 | ||
| Pass Completion (%) | 83.90 | ||
| Progressive Passes | 8.34 | ||
| Progressive Carries | 2.19 | ||
| Successful Take-ons | 1.22 | ||
| Touches in the Opposition Area | 1.15 | ||
| Progressive Passes Received | 2.19 | ||
Sheaf is a player that cannot be easily replaced – even if he is sold for an eight-figure sum before the market closes later this month.
Given how late in the window it now is, Coventry must take a firm stance and hold onto Sheaf no matter what.
The midfielder’s contract runs until the summer of 2026, so there is no immediate risk to his future.
Callum O’Hare’s departure without a transfer fee this year was a significant loss, and Coventry City must ensure this doesn’t happen again in the future. Losing a talented player for nothing is a huge missed opportunity.
However, the club can afford to let Ben Sheaf enter the final 12 months of his contract next year, as the potential reward could be another strong promotion challenge in 2025.
The Sky Blues have finished fifth and ninth in the last two seasons, narrowly missing out on promotion after losing the 2023 play-off final. With the new additions they’ve made this year, they must feel that this is their best chance to finally secure promotion.
Retaining Sheaf will be as vital as any new signing Coventry makes before August 30. If the club decides to sell him for a bid that meets their valuation, it could prove to be a mistake given his overall importance to the team.
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