Coventry City welcomes the return of a legend who was key player in the club……
Darren Huckerby believes that any team acquiring former Coventry City defender Sam McCallum this summer will be making a steal, considering McCallum’s release by Norwich. The 23-year-old left-back was transferred to Norwich for a potential £3.5 million deal in January 2020 and was immediately loaned back to Coventry for the rest of the season. McCallum, originally scouted from non-league football, returned to Norwich for a loan spell in the 2020/21 season, making 41 Championship appearances and scoring one goal.
Afterward, McCallum was loaned out again for further development, spending a season at QPR where a hamstring injury requiring surgery hindered his progress, limiting him to 19 appearances. He then made 25 appearances for Norwich in 2022/23 and 34 last season, often as a substitute, as he played second fiddle to Dimitris Giannoulis.
Huckerby, a former Coventry City favorite who ended his English playing career at Carrow Road, shared his insights on McCallum’s situation. He noted McCallum’s improvement during his time at Norwich, suggesting that his release was more about the need for regular first-team football than lack of desire from the club. Huckerby mentioned that managerial changes and financial considerations might have influenced McCallum’s departure.
Huckerby praised McCallum’s versatility and suggested that his attacking prowess might suit him better as a wing-back rather than a full-back. He expressed confidence that McCallum could thrive at another top Championship club, given his experience at Norwich. Huckerby emphasized the importance of McCallum finding regular playing time to establish himself.
Regarding the possibility of a player returning to a former club, Huckerby stated that it depends on the player’s prior contributions and circumstances. He highlighted McCallum’s youth and the need for him to prove himself consistently on the pitch, emphasizing the importance of substantial playing time in a player’s career.
