Dowie looking up

Newly appointed Coventry City manager Iain Dowie is confident his team will begin to climb the Championship once they have their confidence levels up again.

Dowie, who started his reign as manager of the Sky Blues with a win over Southampton, said: "Everyone at the club got a clean slate. Events that may or may not have occurred before my arrival are of no relevance anymore and we are pulling in the same direction because you don't get anywhere without togetherness.

"I said everyone has got to be prepared to sweat blood for the Sky Blues' shirt - and that's what will happen. From the front men harassing the defenders right back to our defenders being difficult to beat, that's what will happen.

"What you have to do is put a process in place and grind out some results and when we do that confidence returns and you will see a totally different Coventry side.

"The ability to pass the ball around comes when things are going well, that is human nature. We must play without shackles but at the same time ensure we have massive desire and massive commitment."

He added: "If we are going to take this club forward, and there is quality available, then I would like to bring it in.

"I do think the squad needs to be freshened up, and I am not criticising the work Micky Adams and Adrian Heath did here before me.

"I think there are certain issues and areas and standards in terms of athleticism and mobility that need to be addressed in the squad. Sometimes a new face or two can do that."