Adams will keep finger off panic button at Coventry

The new Coventry manager Micky Adams is demanding that the players show the same commitment he showed during his playing days at Highfield Road.

The new Coventry manager Micky Adams is demanding that the players show the same commitment he showed during his playing days at Highfield Road.

Adams made 108 appearances and scored 10 goals during his mid-1980s playing days as a left-back with City. But he is under no illusions about his task, with Coventry fifth bottom in the Championship table.

"We're in a precarious position but one of the first things I learned in management is not to panic," said Adams. "I was a player here when we were in the top flight but even in those years it was a struggle for us to stay in the division and I remember one particular year winning the last three games of the season to stay up. We need to instil a bit more of that team spirit."

Adams hopes a fresh start at Coventry will allow him to forget the troubles which dogged his time at Leicester. "I was quoted after leaving Leicester as saying I hoped at my next club I would be able to enjoy a quiet life," Adams said. "I meant not having to go through the events we endured at Leicester, what withadministration and the La Manga situation too.

"I think perhaps the only mistake I made was that at the start of this season I said I wanted a top-two finish. But towards the end of my time there I was getting tired and if I'm honest, that possibly affected my decision-making at times. But I have no regrets aboutLeicester because I think my record there speaks for itself."

Adrian Heath, who has been in caretaker charge since Peter Reid left, will remain at the helm for tomorrow's game with QPR before becoming Adams's assistant. Alan Cork, who had been Adams' No 2 at Leicester, has been installed as coach and reserve-team manager.