Coventry City transfer news from CoventryLive as Ben Wilson discusses team-mate and friendly rival Simon Moore’s future in the final week of the summer window.
The 33-year-old has slipped to third choice goalkeeper with the Sky Blues following the arrival of Brad Collins from Barnsley this summer, making it likely that the experienced stopper will look to find another club with a year left on his three year contract.
Moore was outstanding in his first campaign at the CBS Arena but lost his place to friendly rival Wilson at the start of last season amid a dip in confidence, since when the 31-year-old has established his place as Mark Robins’ first choice with a record 22 clean sheets and winning the Championship’s golden glove last term.
Moore – a consummate professional – hasn’t featured in any league squads so far this season and his only involvement has been on the bench as back-up to Collins in the EFL Cup defeat at AFC Wimbledon.
Asked how he’s coping with the situation, Wilson admitted: “It’s tough for him but he’s training better than he ever has, keeping himself fit and ready and if anything was to happen to me or Brad he’d be ready to fill the void. Simon’s a great, great lad and I have nothing but amazing stuff to say about him.”
Asked by CoventryLive if he thinks Moore will move on before Friday night’s transfer window deadline, he quipped: “It depends if Saudi offer enough money!”
Both keepers have been in the situation where they have been understudies for extended periods in the past, but asked if that fact that Moore is in his 30s and what should be the prime of his career means he’ll be wanting to play as much as possible in a relatively short career, Wilson said: “I think so and as far as Simon is concerned he’s had a career a bit like me where he’s played and then had periods where he’s not played. And when he has played, his first season at Cov he was unbelievable, so people know what he’s capable of.
“Last season, for him, sat on the bench he supported me and we achieved as a goalkeeping group something that was unbelievable. But going back a few years ago I was on the bench every season and was known as a number two and I was in that zone. Whereas now my mindset has totally flipped.
“I don’t think Simon would ever think that he’s a number two. He’s a solid No.1 goalkeeper at any level and if he gets the chance to play he knows and I know that he’ll go and absolutely smash it.”
