LONDON (AFP) - Former Fulham boss Chris Coleman was on Tuesday appointed manager of Championship side Coventry on a three-and-a-half-year deal.

Coleman, 37, had been out of work since leaving Spanish side Real Sociedad last month and replaces Iain Dowie, who was sacked last week.

The former Wales international defender was in charge at Craven Cottage for four years before being sacked last April.

Coleman, who played for Swansea, Crystal Palace, Blackburn and Fulham in his playing career, takes over a team which are 20th in the Championship, four points clear of the relegation zone.

They were also knocked out of the FA Cup on Saturday, beaten 5-0 by midlands rivals West Brom at the Ricoh Arena.