José Perdomo

Despite only a handful of appearances for the Sky Blues at the start of the 1990-91 season the swarthy Uruguayan midfield player created a lasting impression on Coventry City fans. In May of that year he had scored a spectacular thirty-yard free-kick for his country against England at Wembley and for a few brief games City were treated to a master-class by the skilful but slightly overweight South American.
Perdomo had played for top Uruguay side Penarol from his teens and by 1987 he was in the national team that won the Copa America. In the final however his dark side showed though when he was sent off. His stock however was high and the following year he was voted third in the South American Footballer of the Year award. In 1989 he moved to Europe and signed for Italian club Genoa. His experience there was not good – he was criticised for his lack of pace and aggressive style and despite appearing for his country at the 1990 World Cup, within weeks he was being touted around Europe. John Sillett fancied a stylish play-maker and took him on trial aware of Jose’s long term ankle injury. In a handful of games for the Sky Blues a rusty Perdomo showed great vision with his passing and although he sometimes wanted too much time on the ball he was more than capable of looking after himself. Sadly nothing came of the trial – apparently his agent was pushing for a deal but City were wary of his injury. He ended up in Argentina with Gimnasia y Esgrima, a top division side. Always a threat from a deadball his free-kick goal for Gimnsaia against their local rivals Estudiantes in 1992 had such an effect on the crowd that it caused a seismograph at the local observatory to register a low-intensity seismic event and has become known as the Earthquake goal. Jose retired from playing 1994 and has since been a coach to various Second Division clubs in Uruguay.