Yahoo News Coventry City boss discusses replacing 'incredible' Callum O'Hare as Gus Hamer point made
Mark Robins has identified a key area Coventry City want to strengthen in the summer transfer market while providing an update on Callum O’Hare's future.
The popular attacking midfielder produced his best return in his five years with the Sky Blues this season, hitting double figures for the first time in his senior career with 10 goals, including doubles against Midland rivals Birmingham and Leicester, and an FA Cup brace against Sheffield Wednesday.
But Saturday’s final match of the season, at home to QPR (12.30pm kick-off), looks like being the 26-year-old’s last appearance for the club he quickly grew to love following his move from Aston Villa, and where the supporters have taken him into their hearts. The out of contract player has been offered fresh terms but, so far, has declined to sign a new deal and looks likely to leave as a free agent.
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Although focused on trying to end the season with a positive performance and result, Robins has half an eye on his summer recruitment, admitting: “We need more goals from midfield, and with what’s looking like Callum moving on we are looking at that and what happens next.
“But who knows, Callum may turn around at the end of this season, although I doubt it, and say he wants to stay. But we don’t know yet. It’s one of those things where we can hope, but whatever happens we will look to improve where we can and those are the things Adi (Viveash) and I have spoken about in terms of what we can do, what we have in the building and how are we going to approach things and change our focus.
“I don’t want to give too much away, but we’re well on with it, so in our minds our focus is there. We need a break, to be fair, so we’ll have a holiday, but otherwise we will be working throughout the summer.”
Put to him that O’Hare is likely to struggle to receive the level of love and affection he’s had from Sky Blues fans at any other club, the manager said: “I think the Coventry supporters have been brilliant with every player. There are certain players that they take to their hearts and they remain there.
“Certainly that’s the case with Callum, who has been immense over the last four or five years, and it’s been the personality that he is that’s done that. When they meet him they see that effervescent character, and he’s the same as he is on the pitch. He’s just a lovable guy who has just been incredible for the football club.
“But he will miss the supporters, and it’s similar with every player who goes from here. I mean, I think Gus (Hamer) has been back here more than he’s been at Sheffield United to be honest, watching the games and what have you. So Callum will miss it, one hundred percent, and that’s the same for everyone, well, 99.9 percent. I was just thinking about Viktor (Gyokeres) there, I don’t think he will because he is just laser focused and will be getting on with what he’s doing. But we have special supporters who definitely carry you along, and that’s what makes this club as special as it is.”
