Charlie Cresswell in: Coventry City's dream XI for next season ft 2 realistic signings | OneFootball

After missing out on the play-offs during the 2023/24 season, Mark Robins and his Coventry City side will be looking to be in the mix to win promotion when the new campaign gets underway.

The Sky Blues were losing play-off finalists in 2023, but finished 9th in 2024, instead having some success in the FA Cup where they reached the semi-final, and would have beaten eventual winners Manchester United but for a contentious disallowed goal.

Despite missing out on the play-offs, there's still plenty of feel-good factor at the CBS Arena, and the club will look to improve their playing squad this summer, having already made one signing with the arrival of Raphael Borges Rodrigues.

With this in mind, here is how Coventry City could line up next summer after a dream transfer window.

GK - Brad Collins

Goalkeeper Brad Collins joined from Barnsley last summer, and despite starting as second choice goalkeeper, he outed Ben Wilson and made the number one shirt his own.

In total, Collins made 31 appearances last season, including starts in the FA Cup quarter-final and semi-final, and has done enough to be Mark Robins' number one again next season.

RWB - Milan van Ewijk

Another one of Coventry City's 2023 arrivals, Milan van Ewijk performed well for the Sky Blues last season after joining from Heerenveen, scoring twice and registering five assists in his 49 games.

The 23-year-old will only continue to get better in the coming seasons, and with a lack of depth in his position at right-back, the Dutchman should be holding down his position once more.

CB - Bobby Thomas

Centre-back Bobby Thomas joined from Burnley last summer, and was a mainstay at the back for Coventry City, playing 44 league games.

His performances have impressed the Sky Blue army, and the 23-year-old looks set to have a big future in the game. Thanks to his showings in 2023-24, Thomas will certainly be in Mark Robins' starting XI come August when the new campaign gets underway.

CB - Charlie Cresswell

After falling out of favour under Daniel Farke at Leeds United, Charlie Cresswell could be looking to move this summer to get his career back on track.

The 21-year-old played just five league games this season, despite being a more than capable Championship defender.

Cresswell could replace Liam Kitching, who hasn't performed badly since joining from Barnsley last summer, but has been sent off three times, so discipline is a concern for him.

As a talented, young centre-half who is out of favour, Coventry should look to bring Cresswell to the club for perhaps a cut-price fee.

LB - Joel Latibeaudiere

Robins has a bit of an issue at left-back - Jake Bidwell and Jay Dasilva didn't really stand out last season, so the answer may be to deploy Latibeaudiere in the role as an inverted full-back.

The versatile Jamaican international joined as a free agent last summer after leaving Swansea City, and has performed well - even being trusted to wear the captain's armband on a number of occasions for Mark Robins' side last season.

With this in mind, Robins will want him in the starting XI one way or another, and after making 48 appearances last season, the former Man City defender could now try out a different position.

CDM - Ben Sheaf

It really would be a dream starting XI if Ben Sheaf was still in it come the end of the summer transfer window, with the 26-year-old being linked with a move to the Sky Blues' Championship rivals, Luton Town.

Sheaf is quality, and he's arguably the first name on Mark Robins' team-sheet and keeping him this summer is more important than any new signing.

If Coventry are able to stave off interest from Luton and other sides to retain the former Arsenal man, they'll certainly be in the mix for the play-offs next season.

CDM - Josh Eccles

Arguably a bit of an unsung hero from those outside Coventry City circles, Josh Eccles has impressed recently and has formed a formidable partnership with Ben Sheaf in midfield.

Eccles made 51 appearances for the Sky Blues last season, showing just how highly-rated he is by Mark Robins, and it wouldn't be a huge surprise if the 24-year-old attracted transfer interest in the coming months.

CAM - Alvyn Sanches

With Callum O'Hare set to leave on a free transfer this month, Coventry City will need a quality attacking midfielder to replace him, and they've identified Lausanne-Sport's Alvyn Sanches as a replacement, according to The Express.

The 21-year-old is also wanted by Stoke City and Celtic, and his club want a fee of £4.3 million, but Coventry should be willing to fork out for a quality option to replace O'Hare this summer.

Swiss under-21 international Sanches scored six times in 27 games for Lausanne this season, and if Doug King is willing to fork out the money, then this could be an exciting addition.

RW - Ephron Mason-Clark

A January signing, Ephron Mason-Clark was loaned back to Peterborough United for the rest of the 2023/24 season, but will link up with Coventry this summer.

The Sky Blues forked out £4.25 million to bring the 24-year-old to the club, and after 19 goals and 14 assists for The Posh last season, you'd have thought that he's done enough to warrant a place in the club's starting XI.

Mason-Clark's best form has come off the left flank though, but there's no reason as to why he can't be as effective on the opposite flank.

LW - Haji Wright

American international Haji Wright lived up to expectations this season, and he scored 19 times in 50 games for Coventry City, also registering eight assists.

The 26-year-old was impressive throughout but was instrumental in the club's run in the FA Cup, and he's guaranteed a starting berth under Mark Robins next season - even if he may have to continue playing as a wide forward like he did for much of last season.

ST - Ellis Simms

After a slow start, Ellis Simms showed glimpses of what he was capable of last season, and the hope is that he'll continue to improve in the coming seasons.

He scored 19 goals in total, equaling striker partner Haji Wright's total, with six of his 19 goals coming in the Sky Blues' run to the FA Cup semi-final.

19 goals is a very decent tally for the 23-year-old, and Championship defenders won't enjoy coming up against the duo of him and Wright next season.