Mark Robins issues transfer window update as Gustavo Hamer question lingers

Coventry Ciy transfer news from CoventryLive as Sky Blues boss Mark Robins is asked if his thinking has changed on transfers following the upturn in results

Regarding any upcoming business for Coventry City in January, Mark Robins is still holding his cards close to his chest. In only a few days, the mid-term transfer window will open. What can Sky Blues supporters anticipate?

Looking back, the management was eager to add a left-sided center-half and a dynamic midfield player to assist replace the vacuum created by Gustavo Hamer’s late departure to Sheffield United at the end of the summer transfer window. If all goes according to plan, he acquired Liam Kitching, who checked all the defensive boxes, but failed to secure a stable operator for the middle of the park. And when it got quite evident, the supporters quickly caught up on that department, understandably struggling to adjust to the loss of such an influential performer in the team.

Ben Sheaf’s early-season injury compounded the problem, as Jamie Allen and Callum O’Hare were still recovering from illnesses and injuries and working toward getting back to full health. Although a Hamer replacement doesn’t seem as necessary as it did two months ago, when City was on a six-game winless streak that included four straight Championship losses, all three players are now back up to speed and Robins’ new-look squad is gelling.

The Coventry manager at the time insisted that his club would require assistance later on, citing the fact that Hamer’s departure had left his squad thin. He stated in early November that he was scheduled to meet with owner Doug King to go over exactly what he could accomplish, adding, “We’re working towards what we can do.” Everything is proceeding as planned, with the exception of one small clarification that we still need to sort out. Therefore, all that is required is for everyone to align, agree, and press the button. I believe there is more work to be done, so maybe all the hard work that has been done will pay off.

“It’s ready to go, but we definitely need to focus on one or two.” Yes, it’s just a matter of putting the final touches on the choices made regarding particular people. However, after that—which will happen very soon—we can just move forward and things will begin to take effect.

However, when questioned more lately, Robins has given less clarity on the matter. CoventryLive questioned the manager if he’s still hopeful of conducting some business with less than a week till trade begins.

After Sheffield Wednesday’s 2-0 Boxing Day triumph, he remarked, “I said before that the huge turnover in players (in the summer) means we have to settle everyone in and then wait and see what’s out there, really.”

“I wouldn’t hold out too much for that; instead, I would focus more on helping the others become more used to their new surroundings. Now that they are beginning to arrive, let’s wait and watch.

There’s obviously been a shift in focus and urgency, but in the weeks since the improvement in form and performance, has his perspective on January recruitment evolved as well?

He remarked, sounding a little defensive, “They weren’t playing poorly before.” They were simply gaining that extra bit of confidence and luck from winning games, even if they were playing rather well. In addition, they should play together more frequently and receive some instruction. And that’s made a difference, as seen by the excellent outcomes we’ve obtained.

Not only have there been some excellent performances, but there have also been some excellent outcomes. Although we are making some pretty good progress, much more work needs to be done before we can reach our goals.

“So, have my beliefs or opinions changed? No, but we will have to observe and wait.