As the Sky Blues Under 23s get set to take on Leeds United in the Professional Development League semi-finals, Dexter Walters reflected on his first year in professional football.
The winger joined City from National League North side, Tamworth during the summer of 2018, after a string of impressive performances.
This season has been the 20-year-olds first taste of full-time football and he admitted it was difficult at first to get up to speed.
He said: “When I first moved, I found it hard getting up to the pace, but I’m now fitting in well and enjoying it.
“In Non-League you train twice a week, so it was Tuesday and Thursday and the rest of the time you’re going college or got a job.
“Going full-time, it has been hard on the legs, I always going home tired and just sleeping so it’s been a big change.
“The training sessions are intense and hard work, but they are fun, the spirit with the lads is always good when we’re out there.”
Walters and his team mates are preparing for their semi-final clash against Leeds United at Elland Road next Monday.
Following a rebuild last summer, it took a period of adjusting for the Under 23s, but once they found their rhythm, a run of two defeats in fourteen games helped to cement their place in the top two.
Walters is now hoping him and his team mate can take their form into the semi-final on Monday night.
“At the start of the season, being a new group it was tough because we didn’t know how each other played but since after Christmas we have really come together.
“We have been on a good run of form and we’ve put together a good run of results which helped us get into the top two and I think it will be difficult but there’s no reason why we can’t win the play offs.”
It’s not just the semi-final that the winger has his eyes on, he is also aiming towards adding to his one first team appearance.
Walters came on as a substitute in the 1-1 draw with Forest Green Rovers in the Checkatrade Trophy back in October.
However, Dexter has one eye on a Football League debut and he is hoping he can grab his chance and impress in training when given the opportunity.
“When I first got told I was training with the first team, I was a bit nervous, but once you get a touch with the ball you get into it.
“The intensity of the sessions is out of the window and really quick, you always have to be alert and ready so I’m enjoying it.
“I’m always looking into the future; I want to at least get my first team league debut, if not this season then next season and then just kick on from there.
“I know I have to keep training hard and put in the extra work and hopefully I will get my chance.”