Former Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton has been installed as the new bookmakers’ favourite to land the Coventry City job. The 43-year-old, who made 70 appearances for the Sky Blues during his playing career, was spotted at the game on Saturday, fuelling rumours that he is set to take over at the Ricoh Arena.
Staunton managed Ireland between 2006 and 2007, in what was both a surprise and ultimately unsuccessful appointment. This was followed by a disappointing stint in charge of Darlington, in which he lost a shocking 17 of his 23 matches in charge during an ill-fated five months at the club.
Coventry have been searching for a new manager since sacking Andy Thorn just three league games into the new season. Previous frontrunners Chris Wilder and Dennis Wise remain in the mix, while Terry Connor is a surprise new contender in the Next Coventry Manager Odds market. Last week Connor left his post as assistant manager at Wolves by mutual consent and is believed to be keen for an instant return to the game.
Meanwhile caretaker manager Richard Shaw, who now seems to have dropped out of contention, has urged the board to appoint a new boss as soon as possible. Saturday's defeat at home to Stevenage means Coventry have dropped down to 20th in League One, with the club still searching for their first league win of the season. Stability and consistency is urgently needed if the club are going to stop their slump and realise their pre-season goal of pushing for promotion.
