Good Business For City

Last updated : 07 September 2006 By Covsupport

Coventry City Finance man Mal Brannigan has pulled off an excellent deal for City.

Youth teamer Temi Obadeyi, a player whose performances for the U18's last season were certainly not exceptional and did not give cause for him to stand out, turned down a scholarship with the Sky Blues and signed for Bolton Wanderers.

Brannigan used his negotiating skills to ensure that City made the most of the situation in a deal which will see Bolton pay £150,000 up front with payments rising to £1m if the Birmingham born should ever play for England.

Brannigan told the CET: "It is always disappointing to lose good young players,especially when they have gone through their formative years with the club,but at the same time he was within his rights to move.

"Fortunately,we retained our compensation rights and discussed the situation over a period of time and eventually reached an amicable agreement in the right spirit."

City were not so fortunate regarding Danny Sturridge,. The nephew of Dean Sturridge ,left over a year ago to join Manchester City and play against City in the FA Youth Cup in the same manner as Obadeyi.

However, both sides cannot agree a suitable fee and the matter has been referred to a Football League tribunal.