Atlanta United midfielder Chris McCann loaned to Coventry City

Coventry City confirmed today that former English Premier League midfielder, Chris McCann, will be joining them on a five month loan from Atlanta United.

McCann joined the expansion team on July 6th, signing on a free transfer.

Coventry City are currently in League One, which is the third tier of English soccer. The 28-year-old will be joining the Sky Blues after they finished 8th last season. McCann’s loan spell will span the entire first half of Coventry’s season and will take on Swindon Town FC in their season opener on August 6. However, McCann will be suspended for the first three matches of the season due to a red card he received in the final league match last season.

McCann said:

“I had a couple of options to go elsewhere but when I spoke to the gaffer he was full of confidence about what he wants to achieve here this season.

When I met him and heard what he had to say, the way he speaks and his ideas about the way he wants his team to play, it breeds confidence into players.

The Ricoh is a fantastic stadium. It’s been a while since I have played there but I’m looking forward to my first game."

McCann will likely see a good deal of action for Coventry City as he leaves Wigan, who earned promotion to the Championship (second tier) last season. According to Andy Turner of the Coventry Telegraph, McCann could play left midfield/wing-back in a 3-4-3 formation that Coventry manager, Tony Mowbray, likes to deploy.

Coventry City Manager Tony Mowbray said:

“Chris is a player who has played most of his football at a higher level and stands out in League One. I've got no doubt he will add both quality and experience to our midfield.

Chris was a crucial part of the Wigan side who won this league last year and I’ve already seen a good mix of ability and tenacity from him. I want a team who are prepared to play football but also dig in and compete. For that, you need players who can keep the ball in tight areas and play but also have a bit of bite.

Chris has these attributes and I'm delighted to welcome another signing to the club ahead of next season."

McCann loan will end on December 31 so he can join Atlanta United in preseason before the MLS regular season kicks off in March.

Atlanta United technical director Carlos Bocanegra said:

“Coventry offers Chris the opportunity to play in a competitive environment and get meaningful minutes leading up to the start of our inaugural season. We will stay in constant contact with Coventry and will follow Chris closely through December.”