Coventry City are weighing up a move for former Bristol City midfielder Matty James according to journalist Tom Collomosse on X.
The move comes after star player Ben Sheaf was ruled out with injury, having aggravated the ankle injury which plagued his pre-season. With the transfer window now closed, the Sky Blues must look to the free agent market for reinforcements, and James seems to have caught the eye.
The 33-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Bristol City at the end of last season upon the expiry of his contract. James was a key player in his time at Ashton Gate, making 43 appearances during the 2023-24 campaign, and 115 overall during his three-year spell in Bristol. Prior to his spell for the Robins, he has built up vast Championship experience with loans at Barnsley and Preston North End, as well as a previous stint with Coventry. Despite being without a club at the moment, the former England youth international is training with former side Leicester City at the moment as he looks to keep up his fitness in the hope of finding a team, and Coventry may be his next destination.
It’s been a successful few years at the Coventry Building Society Arena, with highly rated manager Mark Robins having masterminded the club’s return to the second tier. The last two seasons in particular have stood out, with the club being one kick away from the Premier League at the end of the 2022-23 season and finishing just outside the play-offs last term.
They’ll be hoping to go one better this time around, though, as they look to return to the top-flight for the first time since 2001. That being said, it’s been an underwhelming start for the club, who find themselves 17th in the league after four games. Coventry fans will be hoping for an upturn in form after the international break and will look to James to contribute to that if he signs.
Writer’s View
This is a shrewd, if enforced, move by Coventry. They’re adding experience and a player who knows the club for no money, and someone who is more than capable at this level. While Sheaf is injured, James will likely start but will later become a handy squad player. For James, he has landed on his feet and found himself a good move after keeping fit through the summer, which looks to have paid off. This is a move that works for both sides.
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