Sealed over a cup of tea – Conor Coventry on signing for Charlton, good luck message from West Ham pal Declan Rice and admiration for Addicks head coach Appleton

BY RICHARD CAWLEY
richard@slpmedia.co.uk

Conor Coventry is Michael Appleton’s cup of tea – and that’s exactly what Charlton Athletic’s head coach was drinking in the midfielder’s family kitchen as he looked to seal his transfer.

The 23-year-old signed a long-term contract with the Addicks a week ago, opting for a move across the capital from West Ham ahead of a switch to Sheffield Wednesday, who had also been in talks with the former Republic of Ireland U21 international.

Coventry’s first loan away from the Hammers was at a Lincoln City side bossed by Appleton in 2020.

Appleton and technical director Andy Scott went to meet with the player and his parents, Paul and Liz, last Wednesday evening to push the merits of a switch to the SE7 club.

“Originally I spoke to him (Appleton) a couple of times on the phone and he outlined the plan to me – he wanted me to come down to the stadium and listen to him further,” Coventry told the South London Press. “Of course, I did. The stadium is incredible, especially for this level.

“He knew I had a few options and asked to come and speak to my mum and dad as well. After they left I said to my mum and dad: ‘I’d love to be a part of that’.

“I don’t think the gaffer really loved my mum’s tea! But I really appreciated them coming around, it made me feel wanted. It showed how much they value me.

“We are a close family and I have so much respect for what they say. I think maybe the gaffer knew that -even more than me – how much influence they have on me. They love coming to my games and are so involved in my life and career.

“It was always going to be a decision that I made with them.

“It was tough for me because it was two massive clubs. Ideally I want to be playing in the Championship but what really appealed is the project going on here. You’re starting to see the shoots of it now.

“Being from London, I know how big the club is. I know people who are fans.”

Coventry’s cousin married Josh Wright, who came through Charlton’s youth ranks and made two senior appearances before signing for Scunthorpe in 2009.

“I would have been eight when he made his debut but I always remember how he would talk about Charlton – I looked up to him back then,” said Coventry.

“I also remember when I was in the U12s at West Ham that we played Charlton and they let us play at The Valley. It was the first time I’d played in a proper stadium and was buzzing to be there, even though the seats were empty.”

Josh Cullen, the last import from West Ham, excelled in the Lee Bowyer side that won the 2019 League One play-offs.

The difference is that Coventry is a permanent addition with a contract that stretches until the summer of 2027.

His 13-year association with the Hammers is over. So was there one person who it was toughest to say goodbye to?

“I haven’t really had a chance to go in and see anyone – it all happened quickly,” said Coventry. “The lads had a couple of days off so no-one was really there when I went in to get my stuff.

“It was hard to say goodbye to Jonno, Ben Johnson, because we were in the same age group from when I joined at 10. It probably hasn’t sunk in yet (that he has left). It will be something I will always cherish – playing for my local team. I grew up in the area, Wanstead. I’m five minutes from the stadium now – I was a bit further from Upton Park.”

Coventry’s final season saw him feature in the early matches of West Ham’s UEFA Conference League campaign – David Moyes’ side lifting the silverware with a 2-1 victory over Fiorentina in Prague.

He was able to make the trip to the Czech Republic and got his hands on the silverware in the post-match celebrations.

“It was strange because I wasn’t there the second half of the season,” said Coventry, who joined Rotherham United in January. “But I’ll take my involvement and I’ll take my medal.

“They are memories that will stay with me. The next day we had the trophy parade, we were driving around the local area, and then a good few of us were off to Pablo Fornals’ wedding in Spain the next day.”

Fornals and Declan Rice both posted good luck messages on social media after Coventry’s move to Charlton was confirmed.

His last experience of playing in England’s third tier saw him shine after spending the second half of the 2021-22 campaign at Milton Keynes – featuring 22 times as they finished third in the table.

“Declan was a year older than me and sometimes he kicked on even more than that (in terms of the age group he played at),” said Coventry.

“I played with him and trained with him a lot. I had messages from Declan and Pablo, two people I was close with.

“It’s great to see how well Dec has done, really ever since he got into West Ham’s first-team. I wish him well and hopefully I can do well.

“I have played at this level and I know the level well – I know where the team is in comparison to that. I know we’re not far away. The second-half performance was really good the other day (a 2-1 defeat to Peterborough). I can see the potential of the group and I feel what the manager and the club wants to do.

“If we’re having a chat in a year’s time then we might be in a very different position.

“I’m excited to be here and thank the fans for the nice reception. Hopefully I can repay it and so can the group – get the club up.”

Appleton is experiencing a tough run which has seen Charlton fail to win in eight league fixtures, drawing four of those.

Coventry said: “I see it in training that he is a coach. He isn’t just a manager who wants to sit back. He wants to be involved on the training pitch.

“His teams have always been exciting and good to watch. I saw what the manager did with that Lincoln team the year after I left – they nearly got promoted. They had so much possession and attacking players – that is what he wants to build.

“He always wants to have control of the ball in the middle of the pitch. He is approachable, you can speak to him. As a coach, he is top.”

It seems the majority of Charlton’s fanbase have written off this season.

But Coventry said: “This club is not a League One club – it’s a Championship one. We should back ourselves in every game.

“I understand the play-offs look far off at the moment but things can change quickly in this league.

“I haven’t come here for six months to get ready for next year – I think we have a chance of the play-offs. We need to give our all to get there and if we fall short, we fall short.

“I do believe that we’re not done yet.”

MAIN PICTURE: PA