Boothroyd confirmed as new Coventry boss

Coventry have confirmed Aidy Boothroyd as their new manager, with the 39-year-old signing a three-year contract at the Ricoh Arena.

Colchester gave Boothroyd permission to speak to the Sky Blues earlier this week and duly agreed compensation with the Coca-Cola Championship club before negotiations had been completed between the two parties.

But that deal has now been finalised and the former Watford boss has officially taken the reins from Chris Coleman, who was sacked just days after the end of the season after City finished 19th and endured a sorry late slump for the second campaign running.

Chairman Ray Ranson is hoping Boothroyd can follow his achievements at Vicarage Road and be the man to bring Barclays Premier League football back to Coventry.

He will look to do so having missed out on the League One play-off places earlier this month with Colchester, whom he took charge of last September.

Speaking at his unveiling, Boothroyd said: "I got a call on Monday from the Colchester chairman saying there was interest, and would I be interested?

"It's a fantastic opportunity and I said straight away that I'd be delighted to meet Ray and have a chat.

"It was difficult (to leave Colchester) but having met Ray I knew straight away we could build a relationship and go on and do some good things together.

"It wasn't a particularly difficult decision (to take the position) because of what the club is and what it can be and also because of the relationship with Ray and what we can do together moving forward."

Asked about his immediate ambitions, Boothroyd replied: "I could sit here and say I'd be happy to keep chugging along nicely and of course we have to build slowly and look to improve on previous results and league positions.

"But I'm quite ambitious, quite fiery and I want to be the best that I can be and as a manager keep improving and keep pushing up the table to get to where everyone wants to get to - the promised land."

Boothroyd's appointment comes as something of a surprise, with the decision being initially greeted with more than a mixed response from City fans.

Former Celtic boss Tony Mowbray was overlooked as the fans' favourite while Steve Cotterill, manager of Notts County for the meantime at least, was the firm bookies' favourite.

Coventry chief Ranson spoke to Cotterill regarding the position, with the latter insisting he rejected the chance to take the hot seat having been offered the opportunity.

But Ranson is adamant that was not the case and Boothroyd was always first choice.

"I've seen come comments from Steve, which are disappointing to say the least," added the Sky Blues chief at the press conference.

"There's only one manager who's been offered the job and he's sat next to me."