Why Jay Dasilva has established himself as one of Coventry City’s top acquisitions ahead of his first reunion with his old team

Coventry City opinion from CoventryLive as Sky Blues reporter Andy Turner takes an in-depth look at one of the picks of the summer signings so far.

Jay Dasilva makes his first return to Ashton Gate this weekend, safe in the knowledge that he has quickly established himself in Coventry City’s side since his summer switch from the South West.

The 25-year-old left-wing-back was Mark Robins’ first signing of the close season, joining the Sky Blues on July 1 after his contract with Bristol City expired. Dasilva made more than 140 appearances during a five-year spell with the Robins, scoring two goals after joining initially on loan in the 2018/19 campaign from Chelsea.

Another player who has previously worked with highly decorated youth and development coach Adi Viveash at Stamford Bridge, Coventry finally got their man after going agonisingly close to securing his services in the January transfer window. In fact, a move was all agreed but depended on Dasilva’s boss Nigel Pearson getting in a replacement – something he was unable to achieve, resulting in the deal being put on hold.

 

On arrival at the CBS Arena, the Coventry manager said: “We have monitored Jay for a while now and are delighted that, despite interest from elsewhere, he has decided to join Coventry City. He is a dynamic, attack-minded wing back with great technical ability who will add further quality and pace to our squad. We look forward to working with him.”

Position addressed

City had struggled to match the attacking verve down the left since Ian Maatsen’s departure at the end of the 2021/22 campaign left a significant void and upset the balance of the team. Although Jake Bidwell stepped up and proved a reliable and consistent performer on the left flank, he provided more defensive solidity than dynamism going forward. As such, Josh Wilson-Esbrand was drafted in last January in a bid to address the situation. However, the Manchester City loan player never really got going and struggled to get game time, with Bidwell continuing to be first pick in the position all the way to the play-off final at the end of the season.