Former Crystal Palace and Charlton manager Iain Dowie has been appointed as the new boss of Championship side Coventry City.The 42-year-old was amongst the forerunners for the position since the departure of Micky Adams last month, Adrian Heath suffered a poor spell as caretaker boss, the former coach had been caretaker boss since Adams' departure.
Dowie, who left Premiership outfit Charlton in November, last year, signed a three-and-a-half year deal at the Ricoh Arena, meaning he is committed to the club until 2010. The former Northern Ireland striker has experienced differing fortunes in his managerial career so far; his first full-managerial role started in May 2002 at Oldham Athletic in what was seen as being a relatively successful reign, earning him respect as well as media links with bigger clubs. He was eventually appointed boss at Championship strugglers Crystal Palace in December 2003.
He miraculously catapulted the Eagles from the bottom-end of the table to the play-offs, and achieved promotion. In the resultant spell in the Premiership, Palace battled valiantly against the drop but eventually succumbed to relegation.
After one season back in the Championship, he controversially left Selhurst Park and moved to South-London rivals Charlton Athletic. He lasted only 15 games at the Valley and has been jobless since.
Soon after his arrival, he announced an ex-colleague at Oldham and Palace, John Harbin as new fitness coach and soon after, former Coventry player Tim Flowers was given the duty of being Dowies assistant.
Coventry currently lie 17th in the table and Dowie will undoubtedly being expected to improve his sides position, starting with tomorrow's home tie against high-flyers Southampton.
MANDARIC TAKES CONTROL OF LEICESTER
Milan Mandaric has completed his takeover of Leicester City this week.After almost three months of negotiation, the high profile, ex-Portsmouth owner assumed control on the 13th February.The formers shareholders dragged the Foxes out of administration four years ago and Mandaric moved quickly to comment on his 'untold respect' for the previous custodians. He realised the challenge ahead, however and vowed to take the club back to the top-flight of English football, where fans feel the club belong.
The flamboyant chief left Pompey last year in an emotional farewell and despite making the decision to take a long break from the game, the Walkers stadium post was "too good to ignore".
The Foxes currently sit 14th in the Championship, and after Saturday's three-nil victory over rivals Coventry, Mandaric's reign has had a successful start.
Leicester face Burnley at home on Tuesday night.
RESULTS ROUND-UP
With the FA Cup fifth round this weekend, only seven matches took place this Saturday. Birmingham boss Steve Bruce got a win over former club Crystal Palace away in a 1-0 victory, Cameron Jerome grabbing the winner in the first half. Southampton beat Barnsley 5-2 at home in the highest-scoring game in the league, Saints youth-product Andrew Surman bagging a hat-trick. Cardiff narrowly defeated Leeds 1-0 at Ninian Park while Wolves overcame Burnley 2-1. Stoke and Luton played out a goalless draw and Sunderland drubbed Southend 4-0 at the Stadium of Light, Stern John grabbing his first two goals for the club.