Coventry City Manager Mark Robins reflected on a good tour and a positive result against Everton Under 23s in the wake of the 3-1 win over the Toffees on Friday.
“It’s exactly what we needed. It was warm, and a lot of our supporters were there which was brilliant again,” the Sky Blues Manager said as he spoke to BBC Coventry & Warwickshire.
“It was a really good workout against two sides. Everton were probably a little bit older in the second than the first half and more robust, but it was a really good workout for everybody.”
City secured the win with goals from Tom Davies, Jonson Clarke-Harris and Tony Andreu in his first game back from the long-term ACL injury picked up last September.
“Tony is looking sharp” said Robins.
“He’s obviously missed playing, missed most of last season through injury, and worked hard to get back. It was great to see him on the pitch.
“We’ve got a few weeks left now until the start of the season and he will be working hard between now and then to get a starting place that’s for sure. There’s a lot of competition and hopefully they can drive each other on and try and force their way into the team.
“There were some good goals. Tom Davies scored a really good header, and so did Jonson Clarke-Harris. There was some good moves, decent play and performances, but primarily it is about getting your match fitness.”
Callum Maycock was substituted in the second half for the Sky Blues, being replaced in the midfield by Dominic Hyam following a strong tackle.
“Callum hopefully is OK. He took a heavy bang to the back of his leg, which meant he couldn’t move as freely as he was” Robins said.
“He was having a really good game, he’s come back in great shape and he’s ready to play some football. Callum may be one that I’ll get some football for, maybe out on loan before the start of the season.”
Robins provided an update on the fitness of the squad too, as preparations step up a gear with three weeks until the season begins.
“Liam Kelly hasn’t trained yet, he picked up problem pre-season with a calf. Jordan Willis hurt his ankle on the first day back, so he hasn’t trained. But they both came out and have been training out here.
“Jodi Jones is making really good strides. Reise Allassani had a tight groin ahead of the Everton game, so I didn’t risk him.”
Friday’s match was the culmination of the Sky Blues week in Spain, with the squad jetting back to the UK on Saturday morning ahead of a return to training at Ryton on Monday.
The City Manager said he was pleased with how the pre-season tour went for the squad, praising the facilities that the team enjoyed during their stay in Spain.
“It’s exciting times really. It’s been a good camp, weather’s been very, very warm and they’ve worked really hard so I’m pleased with the way it’s gone.
“We’ve trained really well. We’ve had good training facilities, good swimming facilities again so everything has been there. The food’s been tremendous, you’ve got to refuel after you train hard so they’ve been able to do that.
“There’s been a hydrotherapy pool area as well, so everything has been just as we want it. People have looked after us really well and we’re looking forward to getting back now really and into the swing of things.”