TONY Mowbray has asked Sky Blues fans to keep their faith in him after fans reacted angrily to the news that midfielder Romain Vincelot has been sold to League One promotion rivals Bradford City.
Many sections of the City support saw Vincelot as one of Mowbray’s key cogs heading into the 2016/17 season but on Saturday the 30-year-old was sold to the Bantams for an undisclosed fee.
It sparked an angry reaction on social media, with some fans slamming the decision to sell Frenchman who made 46 appearances for the Sly Blues last season, scoring four goals.
During a press conference last Friday, Mowbray spoke of the need to offload players in order to bring new faces in at Ryton and he revealed the decision to let Vincelot go was good business for both parties.
“Romain was more than happy and it was a good deal for the club,” said Mowbray, speaking after Saturday’s 2-0 friendly victory over Newport County.
“I know we’re losing a very talented boy who was fantastic for us last year – I sat with him in my office and talked it through and we decided it was right for him and right for me.
“I have to ask the fans to trust what we are trying to do and sometimes you have to sell an asset so you can build. I’m trying to create an infrastructure at the club. Hopefully there will be new heroes for the supporters as I build a team in the image I want to see.
“Importantly, the deal will give the club a chance to reinvest in fresh faces as we continue to build the squad for the upcoming season and look to produce a team that can compete at the top of this league.”
Vincelot moved to the Sky Blues on a free transfer last summer after being released by Leyton Orient and he went on to become one of the first names on Mowbray’s team sheet.
He was part of a formidable central midfield partnership alongside John Fleck and became a firm fan’s favourite for his passionate and determined displays.
“We’re sad to see Romain leave but wish him the best for the future,” Mowbray continued. “Romain was a key part of the squad last year, he is a great personality to have around the dressing room and I’d like to thank Romain for his contribution to the club last season.
“I’m sure Romain will be successful at his new club and we wish him the best of luck at Bradford. I wish him well and I hope that Coventry and Bradford are the top two teams in the division next season.”
Speaking about his move to Bradford, Vincelot said he was excited by the prospect of helping Bradford achieve promotion from League One.
“I was very flattered when I first heard of the interest from Bradford as I know that this is a club with a lot of passion from the fans,” told Bradford’s club website.
“I knew of Bradford before I came to England due to their time in the Premier League. When I came to England and played against Bradford, I always found it a club with big passion and big crowds.
“It was always a good game playing at Bradford because you knew there would be a big atmosphere.
“The passion of the club and the passion of the fans really suits me and my game. I like to push myself to the limit in matches and I am sure the energy from the crowd will allow me to push that little bit more.”
