Sideways Sammy

One of the key pieces of Coventry City’s rebuild post the 2023 Play-Off Final defeat to Luton Town, a player has matured as the club has gone from surprise package to one of the top teams in the Championship, Bobby Thomas embodies this current era for the club. Brought in as part of a complete rebuild of the defence, there had been teething issues aplenty for Thomas in his first couple of years at second-tier level. Over the past 18 months, the centre-back has looked an increasingly mature presence in the heart of the defence and while he still has flaws in his games to iron out, he has established himself among the best players at this level in his position.

Bobby Thomas often ends up playing the enforcer role in Coventry City’s central defence, with Liam Kitching acting as the sweeper. Strong in the air and forceful in the challenge, Thomas can really dominate opposing strikers when he’s on top-form. Additionally, Thomas’ aerial presence is a huge threat in the opposing penalty area from set-pieces and corners, with nine goals in his 100 league appearances for the club a remarkable return for a centre-back. His biggest weaknesses are in defending against quick opponents and his distribution of the ball, however, he has looked increasingly comfortable playing the high line Frank Lampard has demanded this team plays and is starting to find some quality in his passing too.

There have been links to other clubs over the past six months, which could well be the product of his representatives pushing for a new contract for a player who is establishing himself as one of the best centre-backs in the Championship. While every player has their value, Bobby Thomas has become part of the furniture at Coventry City, ready to become a genuine leadership figure who it would be foolish to allow to leave. Someone who has experienced his fair share of growing pains in a Sky Blue shirt, now feels the time for both the player and club to reap the rewards of allowing him time to develop at the CBS Arena.