Coventry City have finally signed John Hartson in an unusual pay-as-you-play deal.

The on-off  saga seemed to be dead and buried last week when Sky Blues chairman Bryan Richardson revealed that the club couldn’t get insurance for the injury-prone striker.

Although fit at the moment, Hartson has a history of knee problems, and the move from Wimbledon was called off.

But now the Sky Blues have signed the 25-year-old Welsh international in a deal believed to involve a £15,000 fee per match.

Richardson said the deal was concluded last night, but the terms will remain private between the two clubs.

If the £15,000 a game figure is correct, Hartson will have to play more than 330 times for Coventry City to meet Wimbledon’s original valuation.

He has been signed to try and end Coventry’s goal drought. Despite some occasional glimpses of flair, the Sky Blues have been unable to find the net, and are currently second from bottom in the table.

Hartson will train with his new team-mates for the first time today, and will make his debut against his former club, West Ham, on Monday.

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