Coventry City have had a knack of promoting and developing promising talent to their first-team, in which time numerous prodigies of the Sky Blues have gone onto play Premier League football. Although it may be frustrating to see some talents move on, Coventry fans should be able to look back at their time at the club with fondness.
That certainly applies to Callum Wilson, who is the latest protagonist in our Look at him now feature, where we analyse his journey. The local lad spent his youthful years with the club and it is not far off ten years ago that he made his first-team debut for the Sky Blues. Loans at National League outfits Kettering Town and Tamworth followed which may have both been short-term deals, but they will have particularly helped him to mature as a player.
It was in the latter stage of the 2012/13 season that Wilson’s breakthrough at Coventry came. He was provided game time in each of the last nine games and although he only had one goal to show for it, within that time he will have shown Steven Pressley what he offers off the ball too in terms of a tireless work-rate and giving his all for the side.
Pressley stuck with Wilson the following season and his faith in the then-youngster paid dividends. Wilson began providing in front of goal and became a viable option for punters utilising a Paddy Power new customer offer, having scored 22 goals and assisted seven times across all competitions. His goals proved vital in keeping Coventry in the division as who knows how much further down than 18th they could have finished without Wilson’s contributions.
His form that season earned him a move to Bournemouth where he made the step up from League One to the Championship. Like the previous season, Wilson just took it in his stride as the Cherries topped the table with Wilson finishing on a remarkable 23 goals and 13 assists in all competitions.
During the 27-year-old’s recent campaigns in the Premier League, it seemed whenever he would get some consistency in his performances and therefore be more confident in front of goal, he would suffer from an injury. Even still, Bournemouth have stayed loyal to Wilson knowing that if he could get through a large chunk of the season injury-free, he could perform remarkably.
And so he has. On a personal note, this has been Wilson’s most rewarding in the Premier League. His early season form earned him a call-up to the England squad, in which he scored on his debut. Wilson’s 14 goals and 10 assists in just 30 games in the Premier League have now earned him a deserved call up to the England squad for the UEFA Nations League.
Wilson may have reached these incredible heights now and although his days at Coventry seem a long time ago, he should never forget the integral role they have played in his development and helping him be the player he is today.
What were your standout memories of Wilson during his time as a Sky Blue? Join the discussion by commenting below…
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