Confirmed Transfer James loaned to Coventry

[Jeff]

Leicester City midfielder Matty James will join Championship side Coventry City on loan until the end of the 2020/21 season, subject to Football League approval.

The 29-year-old has spent the first half of the campaign on loan at Barnsley, making 15 appearances for the South Yorkshire side in all competitions.

James joined City from Manchester United in May 2012 and has featured for the Foxes 117 times in all competitions, scoring six goals.

He will now link up with Coventry City, who are currently 16th in the Championship, ahead of their Emirates FA Cup encounter against Norwich City on Saturday 9 January (12pm kick-off).

 

[Graz]

Glad to see him staying fit.

15 appearances so far this season must be his most since our Great Escape season I'd guess.

 

[Payne74]

Is James moving to Coventry for personal reasons ? As it seams strange to leave Barnsley when he was playing regularly

 

[fitz]

It does seem harsh for him to be sent to Coventry.....or Birmingham or wherever they play nowadays.

 

[jb5000]

Assuming he lives locally, it's a shorter commute....

 

[Funky Fox]

Does he still live in the North West or Manchester area

 

[jb5000]

That'll be it then, the road between Manchester and South Yorkshire is hell in winter

 

[Fox Fan]

Barnsley boss reveals reason behind Matty James's surprise switch to Coventry City
Tykes' manager Valerien Ismael says Sky Blues' new signing Matty James did a great job, bringing calm to his team


ByAndy TurnerSky Blues Reporter
09:57, 8 JAN 2021

Barnsley boss Valerien Ismael has revealed the reason behind Matty James’s surprise switch to Coventry City.

The Leicester City midfielder had impressed in 15 games during his three-month loan at Oakwell where he helped lift the Tykes from the bottom three to ninth in the Championship table.

The 29-year-old had indicated he’d like to extend his stay until the end of the season ahead of his initial spell expiring this week, and Ismael couldn’t speak more highly of the Foxes’ player with Premier League experience.

But it has emerged that despite the holding midfielder’s impact, the Reds decided not to extend the deal as the manager looks to the future development of younger players, namely the likes of Herbie Kane – a £1.25million summer signing who has mainly been a substitute – and Romal Palmer whom he wants to give a chance alongside captain Alex Mowatt.


Callum Styles, who has excelled at left wing-back, can also play there as can Toby Sibbick who has returned from a loan in Belgium.

“It was our decision,” Ismael told the Barnsley Chronicle.

“It was not an easy decision. You can see defensive midfield is an area where we have a lot of talent.

“We had an experienced player recovering from a long injury. We had to make a decision for the future and the club to see what we have in this position.

“We have trust in these players who have played very well.


“It is not a decision against Matty James, it is for the young guys."

Ismael couldn't speak more highly of James, adding: “Matty made a great job with his skills and his experience. He tried to implement the principles on the pitch quickly and it was a pleasure to work with him.


“I am delighted that we helped him to come back into his old form.

“We know he brought a lot of calm to the team but the young guys learned very well from him. We have many options – Toby Sibbick can play there and he is like a new player for us if we need him.”