Kaine Kesler-Hayden has explained exactly why he has chosen to sign for Coventry City.
The 22-year-old right-back has completed his transfer from Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee – believed to be around £3.5m – signing a four year deal.
Kesler-Hayden has spoken of the Frank Lampard factor in his decision and how the head coach convinced him the Sky Blues are the “perfect” place to be as he embarks on the next step of his promising career.
“It seems like the perfect move for me and the next step in my career,” said the player who hails from Solihull. I am just buzzing to be here and I can’t wait to meet the lads and get going.”
Explaining his decision to move to the CBS Arena, he said: “There was a lot of things that went into it. I saw last season how much of a good team Coventry City are and how unlucky they were not to make it into the Premier League, so hopefully we can have another go at it this season.
“Also, it is very local to me, which is perfect. I don’t have to travel too far, so now I just can’t wait to get started.
“It feels good to make a permanent move, it feels like it was the right time for me in my career. I’ve had a lot of loans throughout the last few seasons, so I feel like this was the right time to make the next step and make the move.”
Explaining Lampard’s part in his move, he added: “He was a big part of why I signed. I believe in the project, and he showed me some videos and analysis of how I can fit into the team and for me that made it seem like the perfect place for me to come.”
The player has been farmed out for experience on five occasions in recent years with spells at Swindon Town in League Two, followed by time at Milton Keynes Dons, Huddersfield Town and Plymouth Argyle before an eye-catching season-long loan at Preston North End last year.
“Every season I’ve improved massively on every loan I’ve been on, and I think it’s five I’ve been on, and they’ve helped me massively.
“I feel like I’ve improved every season and I’m going to do that now I’m here and hopefully help the team as much as possible.”
Discussing his new team-mates, he said: “I know Jack Rudoni from when we used to play at Huddersfield Town together, so he will help me get settled in.”
As for playing at the CBS Arena, he added: “I’ve always really enjoyed playing there. It’s a tough place to go and I don’t think I have ever won there in my career, which shows how tough a place it is to go.
“I’ve really enjoyed playing there as I’ve said and now, I’m just looking forward to playing there in Sky Blue.”
Describing what he hopes to bring to the team, he explained: “I would say I am versatile. I like to get forward and I like to defend as well. If I can get goals and assists this season, as well as keeping goals out of our net, I will try do that as best as possible.”
He concluded: “Words can’t describe how happy I am to be at this club and how excited I am to play in front of you (the fans).
“I want to show you what I can do, how I can play, entertain you and hopefully get this club where it needs to be.”
