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A story of two Coventry City 25-year-olds. Coventry’s character against Newcastle United embodied by the determined Jack Rudoni and Bobby Thomas. What a journey they’ve been on. Rudoni started out at Epsom Eagles, where Tino Livramento, Conor Gallagher, Reece James and Lauren James once played. Released by Crystal Palace at 11, taken on by AFC Wimbledon, Rudoni played on loan for amateur side Corinthian-Casuals at 17. He was man of the match on his debut against Dorking and received the award (a bottle of rose) from Alec Stewart, England cricket legend and ex-Casuals centre-back and midfielder. Rudoni played on loan in National League South for Tonbridge Angels in front of 590 (against Chelmsford) but never lost belief. Played League One with AFC Wimbledon. Then Championship with Huddersfield – played under Neil Warnock, who predicted the midfielder would “go to the very top”. Championship and now Premier League with Coventry. At 25. Midfielder develops further under Frank Lampard, and shows character in abundance. Rudoni had never taken a pen before in 280 appearances. Converted his kick in the 4-1 win over against Newcastle. Thomas, outstanding against Newcastle, has also been on a rise up the pyramid. Defender began at Crewe Alexandra, but held back by Osgood-Schlatter’s, which restricted his game-time. Left Crewe, joined Burnley and went on “a work experience loan” at 18 to Kendal Town in the Northern Premier League. Thomas scored on his debut for the Mintcakes, a header, against Glossop North End. Thomas played on loan in League Two for Barrow, League One for Bristol Rovers and Barnsley. Sold by Burnley to Coventry for £2m, Thomas has played Championship and now Premier League. Shows the importance of EFL (and non-League) in shaping players for the Premier League. And shows the power of persistence within Rudoni and Thomas #PUSB btw Stephen Mfuni looks a huge prospect, 18-year-old defender on loan from Manchester City.