When Coventry City signed ex-Chelsea maestro - Tony Mowbray said he was great to have around | OneFootball

Coventry City welcomed a Premier League legend to the club during the 2015/16 campaign

Coventry City are a club currently on the up and have enjoyed some brilliant times over the past few years.

In 2023, they came within a penalty shoot-out of returning to the Premier League after 21 years away. Less than 12 months later, they were denied a spot in the FA Cup final by a cruel VAR decision against Manchester United.

Under England and Chelsea legend Frank Lampard, the Sky Blues reached the play-offs once more and again came agonisingly close to a spot in the final.

However, times weren’t always this good for Coventry.

In the not-too-distant past, they were homeless and languishing in the lower regions of the EFL.

It was during these years that the club welcomed one of its most esteemed and successful players, who provided a spark of optimism during a difficult moment.

Joe Cole rolled back the years during positive Coventry City spell

At the beginning of the 2015/16 campaign, a 33-year-old Joe Cole found himself out of favour at Premier League side Aston Villa. He had only featured in the League Cup and eventually decided to make a bold decision.

Dropping down two divisions, the former Chelsea, Liverpool and West Ham United star was signed by League One Coventry City on an initial 35-day loan deal.

Cole would immediately impress, highlighting the desire and passion he still had to play football.

After making seven appearances, he was acquired permanently in January 2016,

"He's great to have around the dressing room," said then-City manager Tony Mowbray to BBC Sport.

"The rest of the squad feed off his experience. I'm sure it'll have a positive impact on our young players."

During this time, Cole scored an awe-inspiring free-kick in a 4-3 win over Barnsley, with slight injury niggles somewhat reducing his impact.

These fitness struggles would continue to linger on for the rest of the season, which prevented how much Cole could feature.

Although his body lacked what it once enjoyed, Coventry supporters got to marvel at the glimpses of the three-time Premier League champion’s dazzling skills and exquisite first touch.

Come May, the former England international had scored twice for the Sky Blues and provided six assists as Coventry finished eighth, just outside the play-off places.

Cole decided that it was now time for another challenge, moving to the United States to join the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

"I would have liked to have kept Joe who I think has proven his fitness and worth to the team,” said Mowbray to BBC Sport. “He's a fantastic character around our building - no airs and graces, not looking for favours or extra days off.

"He's a top guy and he has shown his football ability. It's come probably a little bit late in the day that I have felt as if I could trust him to play in the centre of midfield alongside John Fleck.

"I think Joe can help us control football matches but he's made his decision for his family, I think, and we wish him well because he's been fantastic for our dressing room and this football club."

Coventry City supporters won’t forget Joe Cole’s Sky Blues cameo

Since 2016, things have gotten comprehensively better for Coventry City.

They were relegated to League Two the season after Cole’s departure, but managed to bounce straight back and from there were on a clear upward trajectory.

The Sky Blues clinched the title during the 2019/20 campaign and, just half a decade later, are now regular challengers for a place in the Premier League.

No matter how good times get at the Coventry Building Society Arena, supporters won’t forget those who featured for the side when things weren’t going well.

Through such a harrowing period for the Sky Blues, Cole was a great source of optimism, entertainment and hope that was desperately needed for all those connected with the club.