Chris Coleman takes over the Sky Blues

His new post with Ray Ranson’s Coventry is Coleman’s 2nd in as many years. The former Fulham manager, and co-creator of ‘Fulhamerica’, was with Spanish Second Division squad Real Sociedad from June 2007 to January 2008 when he resigned citing ‘differences in vision’ with new club ownership. Coventry has also welcomed new ownership after Ray Ranson took over several months ago. Previous manager Iain Dowie was fired as the ownership cited very similar ‘differences in vision’.

A fan favorite in his playing and early managerial days at Craven Cottage, Coleman inherits yet another troublesome club. The Sky Blues sit in 20th place, just above the relegation zone with the season winding down quickly. Coventry City, however, has the infrastructure to potentially build a future with the new ownership of Ray Ranson, a relatively new Ricoh Arena built in 2005 (also recently renovated in ’07 to be suitable for UEFA Champions League and international matches), players to build around – Michael Mifsud, Leon Best, and some cash to work with.

If all goes well – Coleman’s new 3.5 year contract will extend to meet Ray Ranson’s “5-year Premiership plan”. Or he could wait around for the job to open up yet again at Craven Cottage if they end up not avoiding the drop. No word on whether or not Chris Coleman will lace up his boots again to keep Coventry from League One hell – and I might say this in jest, but Coventry has a history of young player-managers – Roland Nilsson (37 yo), Gary McAllister (38 yo).