Former Ireland Under-21 cap Conor Coventry has been backed up to make an immediate impact at Charlton Athletic after ending his relationship with West Ham after 13 years and joining the League One side.
And Addicks manager Michael Appleton says he wants to see the midfielder’s “nastyness” come out on the field.
The 23-year-old has been with West Ham throughout his career, joining their academy at the age of 10 and was still a teenager when he made his first-team debut in the League Cup in 2018.
After three loan spells, he made his Premier League debut at the beginning of the 2022/2023 season and went on to make five successful appearances in the European Conference League before being loaned out again to Rotherham United.
He signed a new contract with the Hammers 12 months ago and had hoped to force his way into the team this term, but was overlooked by manager David Moyes and was left on the bench for Coventry’s last FA Cup draw. When left behind, it became an example of limited opportunities. week.
Charlton has now opted to move on with a three-and-a-half year deal, with the club saying they have fended off competition from Championship clubs and League One rivals.
“I’m delighted to have signed Conor. He was my first loan player at Lincoln many years ago and I’m very happy to be reunited with him on a permanent contract.” He was previously on loan at Lincoln City. Appleton, who was Coventry manager at the time, said:
“He’s very, very comfortable with the ball and knows his position very well. He’s good with the ball, his technique is good. And he has that steely side that I like. There’s also a bit of a meanness to him. That’s the kind of player he is. He lives his life the right way and is a proper professional. ”
Coventry said: “Behind the scenes with the manager, the people’s vision of what direction they want to take the club. I’m from London so I’m very familiar with what this club means to people and the scale of it. I’m really looking forward to understanding and being a part of what’s going on here.”