DEPARTED Sky Blues striker Stern John says Kevin Kyle helped convince him to make the switch to Sunderland.
John joined the Black Cats on Monday in a £250,000 deal after taking advice from Kyle, who made a move in the opposite direction last August.
"Kevin Kyle at Coventry told me what a fantastic club Sunderland is, how big the crowds are and how great a place it is to be when things are going well.
"Hopefully things will continue to go as well as they have done recently for Sunderland and I will be able to do my bit to help the club back into the Premiership.
"It is an exciting time for me and an exciting time for Sunderland."
John, who is eligible to face City on Saturday, said he felt it was time for a change of scene after a turbulent two-and-a-half years at Coventry.
He said: "Sometimes you need a new start in football.
"That's what I was looking for and what I have found with Sunderland and I'm desperate to be part of what's going on here.
"The move came out of nowhere but when I was told that Roy Keane was interested in me and that I could leave, then I was very happy to agree terms.
"Apart from the fact that Roy Keane manages them, it is a big club and a Premiership club - you only have to look at the facilities and the stadium itself to realise that.
"It does not have Premiership football at the moment but I think that there is an excellent chance that it will do next season and I want to be part of that.
"I believe I am good enough to play in the Premiership and I want to play there with Sunderland next season."