Wednesday 'closer' after Wood departure

Richard Wood

COVENTRY City manager Chris Coleman relishes the prospect of having central defender Richard Wood in his side for this weekend's home Championship game against Crystal Palace.

Wood was a definite target for Ipswich Town boss Roy Keane manager in the summer, but the transfer window closed before a deal could be struck with the then Sheffield Wednesday player.

Owls boss Brian Laws failed to agree a new contract with Wood, and made him available three weeks ago. It was expected that Keane would renew his interest.

But Town fans have been left frustrated at a failure to capture a proven defender at Championship level although a lack of available finance and willingness to meet Wood's demands might have been a factor.

Keane has expressed caution at making signings although he has until next Thursday to strengthen his squad before loan deals are closed down prior to the transfer window reopening again on January 1.

“You can watch and make all the checks, but as soon as they walk into the building you know that some players are not going to make it,” said the Town boss.

Coleman has been tracking Wood for two years and is delighted with his capture, who he is looking to help lift his side up the table.

“Richard knows this division,” said Coleman. “I believe he is one of the strongest defenders in this league. He ticks all the boxes for me. He's got good pace, attacks the ball well and he's a thoroughbred.”

Wood is pleased to get his move confirmed, and he said: “I've been at Sheffield Wednesday all my career; and I'm looking forward to the next challenge. There's a good young squad and a good management team.”

Wednesday visit Portman Road tomorrow (kick-off 5.20pm) with Laws believing that Wood's exit will pull his squad even closer together for the game against Ipswich.

He explained: “Nobody wants anybody to leave, but if they're asking for something that would not be good for the club, and the club agreed to it, then I think that would unsettle the players.

“My players know where we stand, and people like Marcus Tudgay, Tommy Spurr and Lee Grant were happy to accept good, new offers.

“The players have understood the Woody saga and drawn a line under it. I think something like this gels players together. Team spirit is great, and players move on all the time; it's part of the game.”

Wednesday have said that they could not afford what Wood was asking and it would have undermined their wage structure.

He has joined Coventry on loan and will cost £500,000 when he signs a three-year contract in January.