Dowie linked with Coventry as caretaker Heath leaves

Coventry City have parted company with caretaker manager Adrian Heath, the Championship club said yesterday. Media reports have linked former Charlton manager Iain Dowie with the job.

Dowie was sacked in November by Charlton after only 12 games in charge of the Premier League strugglers. Coventry, who have Malta forward Michael Mifsud on their books, are 17th in the 24-team league with 38 points from 33 games.

Heath, who has been in charge since Micky Adams was sacked on January 17, left the club along with three backroom staff - coach Darren Robinson, goalkeeping coach Andy Dibble and chief scout George Foster.

The Sky Blues have said they will make an announcement about their managerial position at 9 a.m. today.

Former Crystal Palace and Oldham boss Dowie has been out of football since leaving Charlton last November. Dowie turned down the recent vacancy at Hull and was strongly tipped to follow new owner Milan Mandaric to Leicester.

The former Northern Ireland international striker's first game in charge could be against one of the clubs he played for, Southampton, tomorrow.

A club statement released by Coventry thanked Heath for his three years at the club, which included two spells as caretaker boss.

Last Saturday, Coventry City lost 3-0 away to Leicester City. Mifsud started the match but was replaced at half-time.