Coventry City secure seven crown jewels as new contracts are awarded

Coventry City have secured seven of the club’s Academy players on their first professional contracts as the Sky Blues continue to develop what they hope will become first team stars of the future.

Among the pool of young talent is centre-forward Aidan Dausch, who made his senior debut for Mark Robins at the end of last season with two substitute appearances off the bench against Blackburn and Ipswich.

The club said: “We are delighted to announce Coventry City players who have signed their first professional contracts with the football club. The Sky Blues have agreed terms with seven academy graduates who will link up with the under-21s ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

“Tristen Batanwi, Elliot Betjemann, Aidan Dausch, Charlie Finney, Callum Perry, Daniel Rachel and Jayden Smith have all put pen to paper on a deal, becoming the latest generation of players to graduate from the Sky Blues Academy system.”

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Tristen Batanwi

Born in Coventry, Tristen Batanwi joined the Sky Blues in March 2016 when he was just 10 years old.

The left-back burst onto the scene for the Under-21s in the 2022/23 season, featuring regularly throughout the campaign.

However, in pre-season last year, Batanwi suffered an ACL injury in a clash against Nuneaton District, which ruled him out for the 2023/24 season.

Elliot Betjemann

Elliot Betjemann joined the Sky Blues Academy organization in March 2022 after spending the last eight years at West Bromwich Albion.

The central midfielder featured in the Sky Blues’ 2023 pre-season tour as well as their pre-season win over Forest Green Rovers.

Betjemann was an ever-present for the Under-21s last season, captaining the side at times.

Aidan Dausch

Dausch joined the Sky Blues Academy when he was 15, following his departure from Luton Town.

He became the latest youngster to make his professional debut for Mark Robins’ side, coming off the bench against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park last season and appearing at the Coventry Building Society Arena against Ipswich Town.

The forward has been on the scoresheet throughout the 2023/24 campaign, regularly finding the back of the net for the Under-18s and Under-21s.

Charlie Finney

The 18-year-old central midfielder joined the Sky Blues in September 2020 when he was 14 years old.

Finney was previously on the books at Chesterfield after spending just over a year with the newly promoted League Two side.

Charlie represented the Sky Blues in the Under-18 and Under-21 league campaigns as well as the FA Youth Cup and Birmingham Senior Cup throughout the 2023/24 season.

Callum Perry

Joined from Birmingham City in 2019, Callum Perry agrees his first professional contract with plenty of experience already under his belt.

Perry spent a spell on loan in the Northern Premier League with AFC Rushden & Diamonds last season, making four appearances.

Callum, who played at centre-back and left-back in the 2023/24 Professional Development League, will be looking to pick up where he left off ahead of the new season.

Daniel Rachel

The latest goalkeeper to graduate from the Sky Blues Academy, Dan Rachel will look to challenge Luke Bell next season at the Under-21s.

Rachel joined the Sky Blues in January 2020 when she was 13 years old.

Daniel has been a regular in the Under-18s for the past twelve months, featuring for the Under-21s on occasion.

Jayden Smith

Another player born and bred in Coventry; Jayden Smith completes a long journey through the Academy to sign his first professional contract.

Smith, along with Tristen Batanwi, joined the Sky Blues as a 10-year-old, rising through the ranks.

A defender, who regularly played at right-back throughout the 2023/24 campaign, will be looking to bounce back once again next season.

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