Coventry City are refusing to let go of their star man, as announced by the retention list

Coventry City have not given up hope in their attempts to convince Callum O’Hare to sign a new contract to stay at the club.

The Sky Blues released their retained list today and revealed that O’Hare and young goalkeeper Luke Bell have been offered new deals.

List also confirmed that veteran skipper Liam Kelly will leave the club this summer after a seven-year stay in which he made 180 appearances and scored three goals as the Sky Blues were promoted from League 2- a to a championship play-off final and an FA. Cup semi-final.

Not that the club’s confirmation O’Hare has been offered a new deal means he’s likely to stay. It is understood the 26-year-old Aston Villa academy prospect is likely to move on this summer.

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City boss Mark Robins said of the playmaker after last day’s defeat to QPR: “I just said in the dressing room, I’m not going to give you up. But we started laughing and I know he’ll probably pick another place to go.”

He also said of O’Hare: “Who knows, Callum could be back at the end of this season, although I doubt it and say he wants to stay. But we don’t know yet. It’s one of those things that we can hope for, but whatever happens, we’ll be looking to improve where we can.”

As well as Kelly, goalkeeper Simon Moore, who joined the Sky Blues in 2021 from Sheffield United, has been released, as have Under-21s Dermi Lusala and Bradley Stretton.

Robins added: “I would like to thank those who are leaving for their time with us, the contributions they have made to Coventry City and wish them all the best in their future careers.

“Liam Kelly in particular will be rightly lauded as a club legend. He was a consummate professional on and off the pitch and an integral part of Coventry City’s rise through the divisions in recent years.

“I would also like to thank Simon, Dermi and Bradley and wish them every success for the future.”

On-loan defender Luis Binks is returning to parent club Bologna after making 23 appearances for the Sky Blues in all competitions last season amid speculation he could make a permanent return in the summer.

Robins previously said: “He’s a great lad who has been brilliant in the dressing room. The guys love him and he’s someone we want to keep in touch with and see how things go. But that will come over time and it depends on a number of factors.”

Coventry City have retained their 2023/24 roster

Released: Liam Kelly; Simon Moore; Dermis Lusala; Bradley Stretton.

Returning to the parent club: Louis Binks.

Contracts offered: Callum O’Hare, Luke Bell.

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