Missing ingredient highlighted as Coventry City favourite hailed ahead of first return to CBS Arena

October 1, 2024 admin Coventry town 0

At a time when a youthful looking Coventry City are crying out for a bit of experience and leadership, former favourite Kyle McFadzean has been hailed by Blackburn Rovers’ boss John Eustace for providing just that at Ewood Park.

The former stalwart Sky Blues defender and huge favourite amongst the fans makes his first return to the CBS Arena tonight, albeit not clear if he’s likely to play against the club he left last January.

“He will be frustrated that he is not starting and playing, but he will play a big part in the team from now until the end of the season, for sure,” Eustace told the Lancashire Telegraph.

“I think you saw the experience and the know-how he has at Burnley. Although we had used all our substitutes, he was up and down, looking after Leo (Duru) when he came on. Those are things that people don’t see and stats don’t show. Things like that really create togetherness in the squad.

“Fadz is a top pro and he is going to play lots of games, I am sure, from now to the end of the season. He is a leader and we need lots of leaders in the group, that spine of the team. We have got captains who have been at other clubs and that can only benefit the players we have signed, the foreign players who came in and the young players as well. It is about getting the right balance.”

Batth is another seasoned campaigner who added experience to Rovers’ defensive ranks this summer, with the 34-year-old making his first league start against Bristol City and played the full 90 minutes against Preston North End and QPR in Rovers’ last two games.

“I think you saw the experience and the know-how he has at Burnley. Although we had used all our substitutes, he was up and down, looking after Leo (Duru) when he came on. Those are things that people don’t see and stats don’t show. Things like that really create togetherness in the squad.

“Fadz is a top pro and he is going to play lots of games, I am sure, from now to the end of the season. He is a leader and we need lots of leaders in the group, that spine of the team. We have got captains who have been at other clubs and that can only benefit the players we have signed, the foreign players who came in and the young players as well. It is about getting the right balance.”

Batth is another seasoned campaigner who added experience to Rovers’ defensive ranks this summer, with the 34-year-old making his first league start against Bristol City and played the full 90 minutes against Preston North End and QPR in Rovers’ last two games.

“I think it is important in any squad that you get the right balance of experience and youthfulness,” Eustace explained.

“I think we have certainly got that now with the signings of him, Fadz, Andi Weimann. They have brought lots of experience and know-how, not just on the pitch but off it as well.

“Obviously, Danny came in and he was a good four or five weeks behind everyone else. Although he had done a lot of work individuals and at Wolves, he had no game time. It has been nice to give him some matches and as the games have gone on, I think he has got fitter and stronger.”

Batth’s arrival at Ewood was finalised only a week before the season started, which meant he had to get up to speed quickly.

The centre-back got the chance to train with former club Wolves over the summer but was still lacking match sharpness, and Eustace insists that his professionalism has been key in recent weeks.

“You only have to look at him, there is not an ounce of fat on him. He doesn’t look his age,” he smiled. “He has got lots of experience and that is what I wanted to bring to the team to help the younger players.”

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