Coventry City have seriously benefitted from Swansea City transfer decision: View | OneFootball

It was a signing that perhaps went under the radar a tad, but Jake Bidwell's move to Coventry City in January 2022 proved a very shrewd signing, and still continues to do so.

The left-back had spent two-and-a-half years in south Wales with Swansea City, and with his contract set to expire at the end of the 2021/22 campaign, the Sky Blues moved to sign the player on a free transfer, with the Swans seemingly happy to write off the last few months of his contract.

It seemed a slightly strange move from Swansea to get rid of an experienced Championship player for free, particularly as he'd served them so well during his previous seasons at the club, but it's fair to say that Swansea's loss certainly has been Coventry's gain.

Jake Bidwell has proved to be an unsung hero at Coventry City

Given his wealth of Championship experience with Brentford, QPR and Swansea, the signing of Jake Bidwell looked to be a good one on paper, and that's how it's proved.

The former Everton man struggled slightly during his first few months as a Coventry City player, and often found himself on the bench, but with a full pre-season behind him, he hit the ground running during the 2022/23 season and won over the fans with his performances.

Playing at both left-back and in midfield, Bidwell impressed last season and made 50 appearances in all competitions for Mark Robins' side as they came within a penalty shootout of Premier League football.

The 31-year-old also registered five assists, and scored his first goal for the club on New Year's Day in 2023, scoring in a 1-1 draw with Bristol City.

Bidwell is solid and dependable, and whilst he may not be the flashiest player in the world, he can do the basics well and won't let you down, and every side needs players like him if they're to be successful.

His impressive form has also continued this season, and he's overcome adversity after being demoted to the bench earlier this season.

After playing just 78 minutes of Championship football prior to November, Bidwell has regained his place in the starting XI, and he's become a mainstay in Robins' side.

He's made 35 appearances this season in all competitions, scoring one goal and registering two assists as he helped lead the Sky Blues to the FA Cup semi-final.

The Southport-born defender has another year left on his deal with the club, so Coventry supporters can expect to see more of Bidwell next season.

Jake Bidwell was signed by Steve Cooper in 2019, and after Cooper's departure in 2021, he was replaced by Russell Martin.

Bidwell probably isn't your typical Martin player, but the left-back was impressive during the first-half of the 2021/22 season for Swansea, and was a regular starter, scoring crucial goals against Cardiff City and Peterborough.

Whilst he may not have had his contract extended at the end of the season, it was a strange move to let him go for free in January when he could have been of great use during the rest of the season.

Given Martin's desire to get rid of Bidwell, it must have been a sweet moment for the left-back when he actually scored against his Southampton side earlier this month, albeit in a losing cause.

However, Swansea's loss was definitely Coventry's gain, and Bidwell continues to impress for the Sky Blues. Everyone at the club will be hoping long may it continue.