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Moss Rose diary

19/ 2/2007

EXPRESS sports editor Mike Glendinning keeps you up to date with the goings-on at Macc Town as Coventry approach Paul Ince to become their manager ...

MONDAY FEBRAURY 19 - The news that Silkmen fans have been hoping for. Iain Dowie has been confirmed as Coventry's new manager. Rumours that Paul Ince would be leaving the club before the season closes have now been dashed although, given Macc's rapid improvement under the former England captain, he is sure to attract the eyes of other clubs in the future.
We'll keep you posted . . .

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 18 - Heath is axed. Paul Fletcher's promise that he would be given the full six games has not been fulfilled, although Heath's record read played 5, won 1, drawn 1, lost 3, 5 goals scored, 10 conceded. The Coventry board obviously felt that action was needed to move a new man in as soon as possible. The Sky Blues have also cleared out coach Darren Robinson, 'keeper coach Andy Dibble and the club's chief scout, George Foster.

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 17 - Macc notch up a deserved and welcome victory over Peterborough. Meanwhile, Coventry dropped a place in the Championship after a 3-0 defeat to Midlands rivals Leicester City. Adrian Heath has had five games as caretaker manager but has managed just one win. His chances of being given the job on a permanent basis look slim.

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 14 - Macc fans' hearts will be gladdened by the news that Danny Swailes has committed his future to the club until summer 2009. Swailes signing a new two-year contract may signal that the defender believes Ince will be staying at the club.

MONDAY FEBRUARY 12 - Coventry MD Paul Fletcher says the club have enlisted the help of a sports scientist and Coventry fan. His assessements will form part of the ongoing selection process. He added that they have received applications from more than 40 'suitable' candidates and another 40 from 'unsuitable' candidates. The suitables have now been whittled down to a shortlist of six.

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 11 - Dowie to come in claims paper ... According to the News Of The World, Iain Dowie will be the next Coventry manager. The former QPR, Oldham, Crystal Palace and Charlton boss is also allegedly linked with a move to fellow Midlands club Leicester City.

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 10 - Macc's game at Milton Keynes cannot go ahead, due to the weather. Wrexham's fixture at Peterborough went ahead, but the Dragons couldn't capitalise, losing 3-0 at London Road and they stay second from bottom on goal difference.
Coventry continued under Adrian Heath, drawing 2-2 at home against Cardiff City, who had defender Glenn Loovens sent off. The point saw the Sky Blues move up one place to 16th in the Championship table.

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 9 - Coventry MD Paul Fletcher has played down speculation linking Macclesfield Town manager Paul Ince with a move to the Ricoh Arena.
In a suitably non-committal statement to the press, Fletcher said: "It would be unfair to say whether Paul is in our thoughts. But he appears to be an up-and-coming talent and this type of manager with scientific approaches interests us. There will always be speculation when a club is looking for a new manager - that is the nature of the business."

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 8 - Macclesfield fans appear split in their views of Paul Ince. Many are angered that he has shown interest in the position at Coventry, while others prefer to recognise the job he has done at the Moss Rose.
Messageboards and fan forums are full of postings declaring 'Ince Out' from supporters who believe he should continue at least until the end of the season. Most agree that he has not yet achieved his prime ambition for the Silkmen - League Two survival - and that he should stay with the club he signed a contract with for more than a couple of dozen games.
After the Darlo draw and his subsequent criticism of the minority of 'boo-boys', Ince just may have damaged the excellent relationship he has built up with fans.
These are tempered with other fans' messages of support. While bringing in Ince was (and is) a great coup for the club, many feel it was inevitable that football clubs higher up the leagues will approach him, given the resurgence of Macc under his stewardship, and also bearing in mind his ambitions, of which he has never made any secret.
One thing that all the fans agree on is that the speculation and uncertainty is unsettling for everyone concerned with the club as we look towards the MK Dons on Saturday.

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 7 - Rumour has it that Paul Ince will be interviewed for the Coventry job. Coventry MD Paul Fletcher is thought to have finalised his shortlist but will stick to his word in giving caretaker manager Adrian Heath his six games in charge. No decision is therefore expected until the end of the month. Heath was last quoted at 16/1 for the job. Other leading contenders are thought to be Gary McAllister (2/1), David O'Leary (11/2), Iain Dowie (10/1), Richard Money (7/1), Gary Megson (50/1) and Southend's Steve Tilson.

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