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[17 AUG 00] COVENTRY CITY NEWS
Strachan Looks To Join The Better Half

A top ten finish could beckon Coventry City this season if the squad can keep fit, according to manger Gordon Strachan.

But he told Radio 5 Live that he felt it would be a miracle to do that well if there were serious injuries.

And he said he hopes to keep his international players in England more this season.

He said:

“We lost our Moroccans for three weeks last season and we had to pay them their wages.

“If the associations had to pay their wages I think the silly friendlies and get-togethers and away matches when 20 players travel will soon end.”

The Sky Blues boss said that now the new season was dawning the players were starting to show the motivation to get on the park.

However Moustapha Hadji definitely faces a lay-off.

Strachan said:

“Last Saturday we had 11 players injured but, miracle of miracles, eight of them are fit this week.

“Hadji will miss at least three games, which is unfortunate. He’s a top player and he’s our captain.”

Coventry City today formally completed the signing of Norwich City striker Craig Bellamy. The clubs have given different versions of the transfer fee, but it is believed to be £5 million, rising to over £6 million after appearances.

Strachan agreed that the cost of players had gone through the roof this summer, and the Sky Blues had to pay over-the-odds for players along with everyone else.

He said:

“It’s been a silly summer season for transfer figures. I think we had to pay over the odds and we did, but we are happy he’s here.”

“The two lads we’ve signed are both quality players. I said to my other players that I would replace Robbie, Noel Whelan and McAllister with quality players and I’ve done that.”

Strachan added that he had hoped to keep Robbie Keane at Highfield Road, but quickly reconciled himself to losing him.

He said:

 “For 24 hours I was keeping my fingers crossed that he wouldn’t like the San Siro and the coach and playing with Ronaldo and the wages, and he would come back to Coventry!”
 
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CWN / Sport / Football / Coventry City FC / 17 Aug 00

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This page modified on 10 November 2008 09:49:15AM