Football
Coventry City’s New Hope: Jack Rudoni Set to Drive Premier League Pursuit
Midfield maestro Jack Rudoni is ready to work his magic for Coventry City in their quest for Premier League promotion. The Sky Blues narrowly missed out on a famous promotion to the Premier League two seasons with defeat in the Championship play-off final at Wembley.
Last season Mark Robins’ ambitious side frustratingly finished ninth in the standings after five defeats and on draw in their last six league fixtures.
Rudoni Ready to Lead Coventry's Midfield Revival
Top midfielder Callum O’Hare left the club this summer to join Sheffield United, while club stalwart and fans’ favourite Liam Kelly was released after seven years with the Sky Blues.
But Rudoni has been signed for a rumoured £4million deal to bolster the midfield and fill the gap left by O’Hare and Kelly’s departure.
“I see the club going places,” Rudoni told SportsBoom.com.
A Club with Ambition: Rudoni's Vision for Coventry City
“I see the philosophy and the players the manager is bringing – and we have – so I see no reason why we can’t be right up there this season if we stay focused and play the way we can.”
One of the main things I noticed when I came to the club is that everyone is looking forward, everyone is talking about how we’re going to get to the Premier League.
Jack Rudoni
“That’s a goal for everyone, it’s great that everyone has the same outlook and ambition.”
“I can really see the club going places. That’s my ambition, that’s why this (move) is a really great fit. Hopefully I can help is get there.”
“I want to come in, do well and really drive us forward.”
“I’ve not really thought about the price tag and whether that brings pressure, I just believe in my ability and believe in myself very much.”
“No matter how much to go for, whether it’s £1million or £100million, I know what I can do. I’m here to show that.”
Learning from the Best: Rudoni’s Partnership with Robins
Boss Robins has been an admirer of Rudoni for some time and wasted no time in securing the 23-year-old’s signature ahead of the new campaign.
“I knew about Coventry’s interest for quite a while,” said Rudoni.
“I’ve always liked the look of Coventry, so when it (the deal) came about, I was very interested and knew I wanted to join the club.”
“It’s been a really easy transition for me, I’m really happy about that.”
“We’ve had a good pre-season as a team, so I’m looking forward to the season.”
“All the lads have been brilliant with me; it already feels like home.”
He (the manager) has been brilliant for me so far; he’s already telling me lots of things to help improve my game. I’m one of those players who wants to work, so it was massive the opportunity to work with him
Jack Rudoni
“I’m open to new ideas and I’ll take everything on board, I’m just looking forward to all the other things he can help me improve my game.”
“He was obviously a very good finisher (as a former striker), which is something I really want to work on and score more goals.”
“I’ve already spoken to him a little bit about finishing – and he said he wants to get me firing.”
“I’m really excited to be working with him and the season ahead and to where he can take us.”
Pre-Season Preparations and New Beginnings
The Sky Blues enjoyed a productive training camp in Valencia and played Getafe in a friendly fixture in preparation for the new campaign, as well as securing an encouraging win over Everton, and the following weekend they squad flew to Germany for a day to play against Bundesliga side Darmstadt.
But the first test of their promotion-credentials starts against away to Stoke City on Saturday in their first league game of the new season.
“Already I feel like I’ve come in and with these players it’s like we’re on the same wavelength, it’s almost easier playing with these guys than it was before,” added Rudoni.
“And the way we want play, I think that really suits me as well.”
“Hopefully I can keep performing well and taking steps every week.”
Neil has been a journalist for longer than he'd care to remember, having written for national newspapers and respected publications for over 25 years. For the last three years he has worked freelance for BBC Sport, working on the production desk as a sub-editor and also as a writer, covering a whole range of sports.