One Centre Half To Go

Last updated : 27 August 2009 By Covsupport News Service
Coventry City manager Chris Coleman is to let one of his centre halves leave.

When Elliott Ward, likely to start back training next week after surgery on his knee and James McPake, who has a shoulder injury are back to fitness, City will have six possible centre halves including Stephen Wright and could let one go in the New Year.


Elliott Ward

"We've got half-a-dozen centre-halves now which is more than enough cover," said Chris Coleman to the CT.

"I'd rather have six than none but, realistically, that is too many so maybe something will happen in the next transfer window.

"Elliott has had a little bit of surgery to clean out his knee but with a bit of luck he'll start training next week.

"James is going to be longer - definitely six weeks and possibly another couple of months because he had a bad one on his shoulder.

"Ben Turner's been fantastic and Martin Cranie has slipped in as though he's been there for a long time - with Wrighty alongside them doing all the talking they have been doing a great job.

"We've got a lot of options because Wrighty can play centre-half and we'll be looking to give young Jermaine a game here and there.

"In fact, defensively we've been all right this season. We conceded a sloppy goal on Saturday - the second phase of a set-play which was very disappointing - but overall we've played well.

"Stephen Wright is a big part of that because of his presence - he's a good organiser, got a great voice - while we've seen glimpses of Patrick van Aanholt's quality, especially going forward.

"So as well as a very experienced captain we've got an England Under-21, a Dutch Under-21 and Ben Turner.

"On top of that we've got the best goalkeeper in the division and Sammy Clingan sitting in front of the back four, which is why we haven't conceded too many."