Jordan Clarke says summer disappointment transformed the way he now looks at his career
Sky Blues defender Jordan Clarke says the disappointment at being told he was surplus to requirements in the summer has changed him as a player forever.
The 21-year-old signed a new two-year contract with an option for a further year with City this week, just three months after being told by manager Steven Pressley that his future lay away from the club.
Clarke said the news he was given back in May was the 'reality check' he needed to become a better professional and he added that he was grateful to the manager who was so impressed with his work ethic he gave him a second chance.
The Coventry-born defender has become an integral part in a side that his wiped out a pre-season ten-point deduction and lifted the club out of the bottom four in just seven games of the new League One season.
He also said he now realises the importance of sticking to the regime that has gotten his Coventry City career firmly back on track.
"I was upset at first when I got the news that I would need to look for another club but to be fair it motivated me and it's completely changed my outlook on my career," he said.
"I've realised that anything can happen in football and it gave me the reality check that I needed because just being comfortable is not enough.
"I did extra work in the summer with Callum Wilson, Conor Thomas and Cyrus Christie and we still do that extra work but I've realised as well that it's about looking after yourself and just being professional.
"I changed my diet, I'm really happy with my fitness and to be part of a team that's playing the way that it is is really pleasing. Obviously everybody wants to do well for themselves but this team is also concentrating on doing well for each other and to be given another opportunity to be part of that is a great feeling.
"Being wanted is a great feeling as well and I was shocked but pleased at the same time that I was given an opportunity to be back with my friends and a team that has become a really tight group.
"I just need to do what I can to keep helping the team now. I need to make sure that my defending is right and then I can look to help the team in any way that I can but first and foremost is to do what the manager wants.
"The manager is pretty clear that if you don't do what he wants then you won't be in the team, simple as that, so I need to make sure I keep that because at the moment doing that is working wonders."