MIDFIELDER Stephen Hunt is hoping his long term future lies with the Sky Blues after moving to the Ricoh Arena on a short term deal until the end of the season.
The former Republic of Ireland international has put pen-to-paper on a permanent deal after impressing manager Tony Mowbray on a one-week trial.
The 34-year-old, who has played in the Premier League for Reading, Hull City and Wolverhampton Wanderers, has dropped down to the third tier but he is targeting promotion to the Championship this season.
“I believe I should be playing in the Championship but I said to myself that if I was going to drop down, I’d want to come to a club on the top and at the top end of the league, said Hunt, who was released from Reading in the summer after making 38 appearances in two seasons.
“I’ve really enjoyed the training and the atmosphere around the club. It’s a great place to come into and delighted to sign a deal.
“I’m really looking forward to it as Tony Mowbray is an attacking manager and I’ve done really well previously under managers who try and play the same way.
“Of course, I like to earn a longer-term deal which will keep me here until the end of the season as there is a great group of players here who can achieve something this season.”
Mowbray has challenged Hunt to fight for a place in the first team, adding: “He has fantastic pedigree, both in the Premier League and at international level, and will give us another valuable option going forward.
“Stephen has been training with the squad for over a week now and we’ve offered him a short-term contract to continue that opportunity to challenge for a place in our first-team.
“I’m sure he’ll be a positive influence in the dressing room and could maybe help some of our players with his experience.”