Coventry sack Dowie

Updated 09.21 Mon Feb 11 2008

Keywords: championship, ray ranson, iain dowie, coventry city, football, sport

Coventry City have sacked manager Iain Dowie after a year in charge.

The former Crystal Palace and Charlton Athletic boss led the club to surprise cup wins over Premier League teams Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers this season but the club's league form has been disappointing and Dowie's sacking comes after a run of five defeats in six Championship games.

Frankie Bunn and performance manager John Harbin will be in charge for the game against Cardiff City

They are currently in 19th place in the table, four points above the relegation zone.

Dowie has been relieved of his duties along with his assistant Tim Flowers and another member of the coaching staff, Bob Dowie.

In a statement, the club announced first team coach Frankie Bunn and performance manager John Harbin will be in charge for the Championship fixture against Cardiff City.

The club was saved from administration in December when former footballer Ray Ranson agreed a takeover deal.

He assumed a controlling interest in the club as a result and expects to take full control later this year.

The takeover will be completed when Ranson's offer is accepted by 90 per cent of the club's shareholders, and he must reach that level of support before April 11.

He said: "I am confident of reaching the 90 per cent threshold within two weeks."