Coventry City club crest on the side of the Ricoh Arena
Latest Coventry City news from CoventryLive as club confirm exit of veteran skipper Liam Kelly and new contract offer for Callum O’Hare
Coventry City have not given up hope in their attempts to persuade Callum O’Hare to sign a new contract to stay with the club.
The Sky Blues published their retained list today, and it revealed that O’Hare and young goalkeeper Luke Bell have both been offered new deals.
The list also confirmed that veteran skipper Liam Kelly will leave the club this summer after a seven-year stay in which he played 180 games and scored three goals as the Sky Blues rose up from League Two to a Championship play-off final and an FA Cup semi-final.
Not that club confirmation O’Hare has been offered a new deal means he is likely to stay. It is understood that the 26-year-old Aston Villa academy prospect is still likely to move on this summer.
“I have just said in the dressing room, I’m not going to give up on you,” City manager Mark Robins said of the playmaker following the team’s loss to QPR on the last day of play. However, we got to laughing, and I can already tell he’s going to pick somewhere else to go.”
Regarding O’Hare, he added, “Who knows, Callum might change his mind at the conclusion of this season and declare he wants to stay, but I doubt it. We’re not sure yet, though. It’s one of those situations where we can only hope, but in any case, we’ll try to do better where we can.
Together with Kelly, under-21 players Dermi and Simon Moore, the goalkeeper who joined the Sky Blues in 2021 from Sheffield United, have also been discharged.
With gratitude for their time with us and the contributions they have made to Coventry City, Robins went on, “I wish those who are leaving the best of luck in their future endeavors.”
Liam Kelly in particular will rightfully be hailed as a club legend. He has contributed significantly to Coventry City’s ascent through the divisions in recent years and has always operated with the utmost professionalism both on and off the field.
“I also want to thank Bradley, Dermi, and Simon and wish them luck in the future.”
Amid rumors that he would make a permanent return, loan defender Luis Binks is heading back to home club Bologna after making 23 appearances for the Sky Blues in all competitions this past season.
Robins has said previously: “He’s a great lad who has been brilliant in the dressing room. The lads love him and he’s someone who we want to keep in touch with and see how things go. But that will come in the next bit, and depends on a number of factors.”
Released: Liam Kelly; Simon Moore; Dermi Lusala; Bradley Stretton.
Returning to parent club: Luis Binks.
Contracts offered: Callum O’Hare, Luke Bell.
