"He’s had a lot of harsh criticism" - Claim made as Coventry City secure new midfielder deal | OneFootball

FLW's Coventry City fan pundit has given his verdict on Josh Eccles' contract situation

Coventry City confirmed that Josh Eccles has signed a new deal to commit his future to the club.

The 24-year-old has come through the ranks of the Sky Blues’ academy system, and has cemented himself as a key part of the first team squad.

In particular, the last two years have seen the midfielder step up in importance under Mark Robins, and he will be hoping to remain one of the first names in the starting lineup for whoever the next manager will be.

Eccles has committed his future to Coventry until the summer of 2028, highlighting his significance to the club.

This has tied down an important player to the team after a number of high profile contract blunders have cost the club in recent years, with Callum O’Hare most notably departing for nothing last summer.

Josh Eccles contract verdict

When asked about Eccles’ contract extension, FLW’s Coventry fan pundit Ryan Murphy claimed that this was a great bit of business for the club.

He praised the player’s impact on the team, and suggested he could become a very valuable asset to the club in the coming years.

“Really pleased with Josh Eccles getting a new deal,” Murphy told Football League World.

“I think it’s more than deserved, he’s been the most consistent player by far for the side this season.

“He’s gone through the academy and has got himself in and around the squad over the last few years.

“Over the last two seasons, he’s really started to make himself one of the first names on the team sheet.

“He’s had a lot of harsh criticism in the past, or even this season to be honest, but I don’t understand it.

“He’s the one player that gives his all, 100 per cent, he loves the club, Coventry fan, Coventry boy, and you can see on the pitch he absolutely loves being here.

“There’s nothing better than having a young player that’s a top performer and loves being here, loves the club.

“He gets it, has a connection with the fans, and tying him down, a player that’s value will be going up, is a very smart move.

“It’s good to see the owners starting to do that, because since the owner’s come in he’s been a bit slow on extending contracts, so it’s good to get him done nice and early and now he’s here until 2028 I believe, so very happy with that.”

Josh Eccles’ importance to Coventry

Eccles made 44 appearances from 46 league games for Coventry last season, his most prominent campaign since breaking into the first team squad.

He contributed one goal and five assists as the club narrowly missed out on a play-off place.

The midfielder will be hoping to help turn things around for the side under the next manager after Robins was dismissed earlier this season.

Coventry have not competed in the Premier League since 2001.

New Eccles deal is a positive step for Coventry

Given the difficulties that the Sky Blues have had with contracts in the last couple of years, this is a positive step forward under Doug King’s ownership.

Losing O’Hare for nothing was a real blow, and the club was also forced into the sales of Gustavo Hamer and Viktor Gyokeres due to their expiring contracts too.

Protecting their most valuable assets will be key to remaining financially stable, something supporters will be keen to see given their past issues.