Mark Robins urged local striker George Thomas to continue his development in Coventry City’s first team instead of risking being thrown into a U23 Premier League squad.
Although the then 20-year-old was torn at the time, he moved to his home club Leicester City after playing a leading role in the Sky Blues victory at the Checkatrade Trophy.
But three years later, the likeable boy was released by the Foxes without playing a single first-team game for the East Midlands that has established itself in the top ranks of the top division.
Thomas got through the ranks at the Sky Blues and made more than 50 appearances for the club.
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He made his 16-year-old debut in January 2014, scoring primarily against Oxford United to secure the 2017 Football League Trophy with a 2-1 win at Wembley.
This season he scored nine goals in 36 games for Coventry.
Thomas was an unused substitute for Leicester three times when Claude Puel took command but failed to break through to the senior team.
He was loaned to Scunthorpe United last season.
And after being captain of the Foxes U23 during the first half of that term, he spent the second half of the campaign on loan from Alan Pardew’s ADO The Hague until the 2019-20 term in the Netherlands was shortened.
The 23-year-old is now a free agent and looking for a new club.
There will be some Sky Blues fans who think he should come back, while others believe the club has moved on after receiving two promotions within three seasons to return to the championship.
Here’s what the fans said:
Tony Grumbt: “Good luck to him. They know what it’s like, footballers don’t play forever, so grab every penny they can before retiring.
A manager, on the other hand, can lead, train or even play a different role in the club for years. They all leave these players at some point, but let’s not forget his goal at Wembley! Good luck Georgie Boy! “
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Roland Payne: “A lesson on how you cannot develop your career further … See Connor Thomas, Tom Bayliss, Ben Stevenson.”
Chris Twigger: “Well, that didn’t surprise anyone. Seems a nice guy, half decent player. I would not join our team now. “
Lee Lishman: “I still love this goal against Oxford!”
Paul Simpson: I would have him back in town. “
Dan Jardim: “You can’t blame the child for his move if a Premier League team calls and you play in L1 / 2, you have to have a screw loose to reject it. It’s a shame that it didn’t work out for him. “
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Delivered straight to your email inbox every day, the bulletins contain the latest news, views, gossip, and opinions about Sky Blues.
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Neal Mc: “At the time, his goal at Wembley was my best football moment ever !! Always a sky blue legend !! Wish him all the best wherever he goes! “
Paddy O’Reilly: Never think that you are too big for your boots! You won’t end up playing in them. “
James Bannon: “Should have stayed with Cov.”
Christopher Dennis: “He could probably do another job in L1, but he’s not good enough for us now.”
Jack Sephton New: “Give him goosebumps.”
Nic Jones: Could bring him back.
Matt Evans: “It was a breeze for him to join his home club for probably a lot more money.”
Jorge Witherington: Bring him back.
David Owen: At least his agent made a lot of money.
Shaun Clifford: “Too bad he should stay in Cov, but cash talks hope he gets a club.”
Liam Cook: “I would never accuse a young boy of taking a risk with a large club, but the grass is not always greener.”
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