Departing striker Callum Wilson delivers a message of thanks to Coventry City and its supporters after completing move to Bournemouth
Coventry kid Callum Wilson hopes Sky Blues fans will understand his decision to move from his boyhood club.
Wilson came up through the Academy ranks with Coventry City and insisted the club would remain firmly in his heart as he headed for pastures new at Bournemouth.
The striker said: “It’s every player’s dream to play for their hometown club and to score so many goals last season went beyond those dreams.
“I was playing for Coventry City with so many of the lads I grew up and I can’t thank Steven Pressley enough for giving me that chance and believing in me from the start of the season.
“When I was asked at the end of last season whether I was going to stay, I really believed that I would be here at the start of next season.
“But as the weeks have passed, there has been more and more interest from clubs in the Championship and it became clear to me that there was a real chance to play in a higher division.
“It gave me a really big decision to make and it’s not one I have taken lightly and I think most supporters will understand just how tough a choice this was for me.
“I have sat down and talked it through with Steve Waggott and Steven Pressley, my family, everyone at Bournemouth and it just felt like the right move at the right time.
“I have to let my head rule my heart as this is my career – but my heart will always be here in Coventry.
“I know Steve and the manager wanted to keep me here but I can only hope that the deal can help them add to the squad. I know that will give them a great chance of going up next season which is something they, the other lads and the supporters all thoroughly deserve.
"The owner also called me to wish me the very best which was something I really appreciated. She also said that she is sorry to see me leave but the way the club have supported my decision, whether it was to stay or to move on, has been first rate and I want to thank them for that.
"Lastly though I want to thank the Sky Blues supporters who got behind me all of last season. They played a massive part in the success I had last season and, as a City supporter myself, it was an honour to share it with them."