Tony Mowbray will want his Coventry side to come quickly out of the blocks this year with some early wins.

With pre-season set to start next week, there is work to be done to ensure that Coventry do not fall short of their targets again.

From the promise of promotion to praying for the season to end in a space of months, the Sky Blues somehow managed a self-imploding nosedive from top of the league to mid-table.

Mowbray knows that his cannot happen again so he needs to recruit the right players now so that he has the best possible squad available for the season.

With a limited budget, Coventry are likely to be restricted to loans and free transfers but with the right recruitment, who knows what they are capable of.

Despite Mowbray opting for a 5-3-2 at the end of last season, a 4-2-3-1 is a more effective way of getting the best out of his talented attacking players.

Here is how the Sky Blues could shape up for the opening match against Swindon......

GK: Reice Charles-Cook

One of the bright sparks towards the end of last season.

Question marks remain over Charles-Cook's handling and commanding of his box but his shot stopping and agility is astonishing at times.

The 22-year-old will retain his spot between the sticks against Swindon.

RB: Jordan Spence

With Aaron Phillips joining Northampton, Sam Ricketts not yet signing a new deal and Jordan Willis seemingly always injured, right back is a spot which needs bolstering.

This needs to be one of Mowbray's priorities as he dips into the transfer market. Jordan Spence is a free agent after his release from Milton Keynes and is capable at both full back and centre half.

He would be a shrewd piece of business if a bigger club doesn't snap him up first.

CB: Cian Harries

A mass defensive exodus leaves Cian Harries as the only recognised centre back under contract.

The 19-year-old Birmingham-born defender looked extremely impressive on debut against Oldham last year and might well be given the chance to start against Swindon.

The 6'1'' Welshman will only get better with game time.

The Sky Blues have missed out on centre back targets Ben Turner and Dan Burn, who have joined Championship new boys Burton and Wigan respectively.

CB: Baily Cargill

Baily Cargill played 5 games on loan at Coventry last year before suffering a career ending injury and returning to parent club Bournemouth.

The 20-year-old looked extremely solid in his few matches and contributed with a goal as well. Coventry fans would welcome Cargill back with open arms on another loan deal, and Bournemouth might give their young centre back another chance to develop his game with a loan spell.

LB: Ryan Haynes

With Chris Stokes suspended for the first game of the season for an inappropriate use of Twitter, Ryan Haynes should start for the Sky Blues against Swindon.

Tony Mowbray has however revealed that he might add another left back to City's ranks leaving the ginger-haired academy product's future in doubt.

The 20-year-old is highly rated by Coventry fans despite question marks over his physicality.

But a loan spell at Cambridge has equipped him well to come back to the Ricoh an improved player.

Haynes has played 38 league games for Coventry already so experience is not an issue.

CM: Romain Vincelot

Frenchman Romain Vincelot only missed one league game last year - to suspension. His arrival from Leyton Orient for an undisclosed fee proved to be one of Coventry's most important signings last summer.

The 30-year-old is a tough-tackling, aggressive, committed and passionate central midfielder who is also a fan favourite and sports an impressive beard.

Vincelot can also play at centre back but the midfield is much better when he's playing there.

CM: John Fleck

Every day Coventry fans are hoping, praying and pleading for John Fleck to sign his new deal.

His contract is out this summer and - in truth - he is too good to be playing in League One still.

The talented 24-year-old has played almost 200 games for the Sky Blues since switching from Rangers and has a wonderful range of passing. His presence in midfield would be a huge boost to Coventry's season.

RM: Jodi Jones

Coventry's only summer arrival thus far is potentially the most important that they will make.

Jodi Jones signed a permanent deal with the Sky Blues after impressing with a loan stint last season.

The former Dagenham and Redbridge attacking midfielder has bags of ability and can beat players with pace and skill.

The left footed 18-year-old needs to be a bit more selfish and have more confidence but that will come with game time.

Jones turned down offers from higher clubs to develop his game with Coventry and playing alongside Joe Cole would have benefited his game immensely.

CAM: Andy Rose

Playing just ahead of Fleck and Vincelot is Andy Rose in this side.

Born in Australia to English parents, Rose had plied his trade in USA for the entirety of his professional career before joining Coventry in December.

It took a while for him to break into the first team but has since impressed with displays across midfield.

Rose has managed 2 goals in his 12 games and could start next year with James Maddison, Joe Cole and Jacob Murphy departing from the attacking midfield ranks.

The 26-year-old former Seattle Sounders man has incredible stamina and can play wide as well as through the middle.

LM: Ruben Lameiras

Ruben Lameiras had an inconsistent debut season for Coventry after joining from Tottenham last year.

The Portuguese winger showed glimpses of magic with mesmerising skill and quick feet. But his lack of strength was often evident and he had a number of games where he failed to make his mark.

City fans will hope for a bit more consistency so his flair is on display more often because he can unlock League One defences at ease on his day.

The 21-year-old should be given a start on the opening day.