Ben Sheaf situation could impact Coventry City’s promotion chances.
Coventry City’s promotion push did not get off to a good start this past weekend, when they were downed 1-0 by Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium.
The Sky Blues have been put on the back foot from the very start of the season thanks to that result, but it’s only one game and there’s of course still 45 to go for Mark Robins to turn things back around.
It’s far from ideal, but City have made a habit out of a poor start to the campaign still leading to a promotion charge since returning to the Championship.
Robins’ side have had an encouraging summer so far, bringing in a number of fresh faces to try and improve the first team squad.
However, one key aspect of their transfer business this year could be the fact that Ben Sheaf has remained with the club so far.
It was reported earlier in the summer by The Sun that Ipswich Town and Fulham were both in the race to sign the 26-year-old, but no deal has yet to materialise.
Ben Sheaf’s importance to Coventry City
Ben Sheaf for Coventry City
Sheaf missed the opening day defeat to the Potters, further highlighting his importance to Robins’ side as they were not able to pick up any points in his absence.
Ankle ligament damage has kept Coventry’s midfield general out of action, and Sky Blues’ supporters will be hoping he won’t be out for much longer, as he has become instrumental to their best performances.
It was a promising competitive debut from new signing Jack Rudoni, who brought some attacking threat from midfield, and could’ve opened the scoring with one of his first touches of the ball.
But the overall display from Coventry missed Sheaf’s hard work off the ball, and his creativity on it from deeper positions.
Robins’ team runs through Sheaf, so having him out of action puts a lot of responsibility on the rest of the team to step up.
Last season, the 26-year-old had a pass completion of 83.9 per cent while completing 8.34 progressive passes per 90 (all stats from Fbref).
He created 3.44 shots a game, successfully completed 1.22 take-ons and made 2.19 progressive carries, highlighting how his all-round game makes Coventry such a strong attacking threat.
Losing him to a promotion rival or a Premier League side would be a huge blow to the club’s promotion chances, and that’s before taking into account his similarly impressive defensive numbers.
Coventry can’t easily replace Ben Sheaf if they are to cash in on his services
Collage Maker-19-Sep-2023-10-05-AM-2319
Sheaf is a player that cannot be easily replaced – even if he is sold for an eight-figure sum before the market closes later this month.
Given how late in the window it now is, Coventry must take a firm stance and hold onto Sheaf no matter what.
The midfielder’s contract runs until the summer of 2026, so there is no immediate risk to his future.
Callum O’Hare’s departure for nothing this year is something that must be avoided again in the future, as getting no fee for someone so talented is a massive waste.
But the club can afford to take Sheaf into the final 12 months of his contract next year, as the reward could be another proper promotion challenge in 2025.
The Sky Blues have come fifth and ninth in the last two seasons, and lost the 2023 play-off final, with the additions they’ve made this year they must feel this is their chance to finally get over the line.
Keeping Sheaf will be just as crucial as any other signing Coventry make before August 30, and if they do decide to part ways if a bid comes in that matches the club valuation, then it could end up being a mistake given his general importance.
