FOOTBALL: DEFENDER Chris Stokes admits it will take a lot of time for the Sky Blues to gel ahead of the club’s League Two clash against Port Vale tomorrow.
The 26-year-old, who helped the Sky Blues achieve their first win at Wembley since 1987 earlier this year, is one of few players to survive from last year’s squad after Mark Robins brought in 13 new players during the summer.
And having to play with a transformed Sky Blues team has presented its challenges.
“It’s not just a new back four, it’s a new team,” said Stokes.
“It will take a lot of time to gel. But you get to know positions and where players like to receive the ball.
“It’s going to take time. But we’ve been learning on the training ground what everyone likes to do.
“We started well with two wins. Everyone then thinks we’re going to win the league. It’s not like that.”
After sitting pretty at the top of the league following two games, the Sky Blues have slipped to tenth in the League Two table – one point short of the playoff zone.
Despite not scoring in their last three games, the Sky Blues have conceded just three goals in the opening five league games.
Stokes said: “I don’t think we’re too worried about the last three games. We are a good side and we are aware of what we can do.
“When we click the goals come. We put three past Notts County and they’re a good side.
“Tomorrow needs to be a good result so we can use it as a springboard to perform well on Tuesday night.
“Regardless of who we play at home we should win.”
The former Forest Green man, who spent a lengthy spell on the sideline last year through injury, is looking forward to making his mark on the pitch.
He added: “I’m delighted to be back.
“It was a long season last year. League One is where we should be.”
