Could key Stevenage defender depart Lamex: Luther James Wildin emerges as Coventry target as Premier League seekers eye highly-rated Boro star

By Layth Yousif

16th May 2023 | Local Sport

Could key Stevenage defender depart Lamex: Luther James Wildin emerges as Coventry target as Premier League seekers eye highly-rated Boro star

Stevenage's promotion season has been packed with consistently excellent performances from a range of players across Steve Evans talented squad.

With Steve Evans side requiring victory over Grimsby Town at the end of April to ensure promotion, Luther James Wildin first goal of the season - with a neat finish from the edge of the box beat Mariners keeper Max Crocombe to make it 2-0 - and effectively seal promotion on a never-to-be-forgotten afternoon at Broadhall Way.

Those who were present will recall just how the majority of the packed ground in a sold out attendance of 6,533 erupted with joy at Wildin's first goal since a goal against Salford in April 2021. The celebrations at the twice-capped Antigua and Barbuda international's strike underlined the special bond between the player and Boro fans.

The highly-rated 25-year-old who has been at Stevenage since the summer of 2018 after joining for a nominal fee from Nuneaton, has consistently proved his worth to the club over five seasons in North Herts. So much so that the right-back was linked with Arsenal during the 2019 close season.

While nothing came of the Premier League club's interest, James Wildin's excellent performances throughout this season have piqued the interest of Coventry City.

With former Manchester United star Mark Robins attempting to guide the Sky Blues back to the promised land of the world's richest league after a 22-year absence, all their focus is on edging past Middlesbrough to reach the Championship final at Wembley at the end of this month.

However, with their crucial play-off second leg against Michael Carrick's Teesiders set to take place tomorrow night (Wednesday, May 17), speculation is rising that the West Midlands side are keen on signing the Stevenage defender - regardless of what division they will be plying their trade in next season.

With the player out of contract at the end of June, the player would move on a free transfer, saving Coventry around £250,000.

Return to the West Midlands

The move would see Leicester-born James Wildin make a return to the Midlands.

After he was released by East Midlands based Notts County as a 19-year-old without making a first-team appearance, he moved to Nuneaton in the West Midlands, managed by former Stevenage boss Dino Maamria - who took him to Boro when he assumed the role in 2018.

James-Wildin is an accomplished musician as well as working as a lifesaver for a short spell after being released by the Magpies - helping to save a person's life during his stint as a lifeguard - but his prowess on the football field was rewarded by winning Stevenage's Young Player of the Year in his first season at the Lamex.