A fresh target has emerged as Championship side Coventry City continue their hunt for a new manager following the departure of Mark Robins earlier this week.
The second-tier side had been heavily linked with a move for League One leaders Wycombe Wanderers manager Matt Bloomfield, who is still the favourite to take over the role. It was reported yesterday that Coventry had approached the club to enquire about his availability, however it is unknown at this stage what their response has been.
Frank Lampard, Lee Carsley, Ruben Selles, Des Buckingham, Ryan Lowe and Steven Schumacher had all been mentioned as potential candidates, however a surprising name has now emerged.
A new name for Coventry City
According to Football Insider, Swansea City coach Alan Sheehan has been highlighted as a potential contender for the vacancy. The former Leeds United, Leicester City, Swindon Town, Notts County, Bradford City, Luton Town and Lincoln City man has been part of the backroom staff for the Welsh side since June 2023, following the sacking of Michael Duff he briefly took over as caretaker head coach.
It is unknown how credible this link is at this stage, and whether it is a firm interest or just one name on a list of potential candidates but it perhaps demonstrates that Coventry City are looking for a younger more up and coming coach rather than the tried and tested approach.
Younger Project Managers
Whilst there have been a few quite links to the likes of David Moyes etc, Coventry are being linked to managers who are perhaps on their way up the footballing ladder rather than being already established. Mark Robins joined the club in 2017, which demonstrates their willingness to allow managers to build a firm foundation and give them time. Options such as Matt Bloomfield and Alan Sheehan could feasibly (if things went well) could still be with the club in 5 or even 10 years and still be considered a young manager.
It is a crucial decision for the board, they sit equal on points with Plymouth Argyle who occupy the final relegation spot in what is proving to be a tight league. Getting this decision wrong could result in a season in League One, as Birmingham will point to. Wayne Rooney was appointed as manager of the club in October with the club sitting in 6th in the table, a much better position than Coventry City find themselves in at a similar stage of the season, and with just 15 games, that momentum was lost and they found themselves relegated to the third tier.