Jordy Hiwula remains somewhat of an enigma in the recent history of Coventry City. Often a player who divided opinion on the terraces due to his erratic finishing, the statistics simply do not lie: he was the club’s top goalscorer during the crucial first season back in League One. Hiwula possessed a knack for finding pockets of space and getting into goalscoring positions that few others could. While he wasn’t the most flamboyant forward to grace the Ricoh Arena, his contribution of 13 goals in the 2018/19 campaign was absolutely vital in stabilising the club in the third tier, laying the groundwork for the title win that followed.
History often looks kindly on goalscorers, and rightly so. Jordy Hiwula might have frustrated fans with missed chances, but his record stands tall: in the club’s first season back in League One, he was the man who delivered the goals.
The Stabilising Force
Signed from Huddersfield Town in the summer of 2018, Hiwula joined a squad riding the high of promotion from League Two. Mark Robins needed a forward who could operate across the front line and provide pace. Hiwula fit the bill. While not a traditional target man, his movement was intelligent, often dragging defenders out of position to create space for others like Luke Thomas and Tom Bayliss.
The Golden Touch (2018/19)
The 2018/19 season was his peak. Hiwula finished the campaign as the club’s top scorer with 13 goals in all competitions (12 in the league). He scored crucial winners against the likes of Southend United and Walsall, points that ensured Coventry were never in danger of relegation and finished comfortably in mid-table. It was a season of consolidation, and Hiwula’s goals were the foundation.
The Title Season and Exit
In the subsequent 2019/20 title-winning season, Hiwula’s influence waned as Matty Godden and Tyler Walker took centre stage. He played a smaller role as the team lifted the trophy and was released at the end of his contract. However, his contribution to re-establishing Coventry as a League One force cannot be understated.