Today in the Football League

Championship

Coventry City Chairman Ray Ranson said the club sacked Iain Dowie this week due to a lack of faith in the former manager's "old-fashioned" methods. Dowie was sacked on Monday with the Sky Blues 19th in the Championship, having won just two of their last 10 league games. "During the transfer window, I spoke with Iain on all aspects relating to football matters," Ranson, who completed a takeover of the Ricoh Arena club in December, said. "We did not share the same ideals for the club and I felt that to move Coventry City forward towards a more progressive and modern way of operating, I would need a different style of first-team management here."

Southampton The club will unveil an improved statue of former Saints player and manager Ted Bates before the home game with Coventry City on 22 March. Bates enjoyed 66 years at the club, also serving as a director and president, and passed away in 2003. The original statue was pulled down last year after supporters complained it was out of proportion and bore a resemblance to television character Jimmy Krankie. "We all know mistakes were made," chairman Leon Crouch said. "The key thing has been to ensure we put it right."

Barnsley Goalkeeper Heinz Muller will return to Oakwell next week after undergoing an operation on a cruciate ligament injury. "The surgery went well," physio Richard Key said of the German, who is expected to be sidelined for between six to eight months.

League One

Brighton and Hove Albion The club have invited supporters to a "Falmer Roadshow", where presentations featuring the Seagull's new stadium will be on show. "The idea of the evening is to give supporters an indication of what they can expect in their new stadium," Chief Executive Martin Perry said. The event will take place at Hove Town Hall on Tuesday 26 February, starting at 7.30pm.

Yeovil Town Crystal Palace goalkeeper Scott Flinders has joined the Glovers on loan. Manager Russell Slade has brought Flinders to Huish Park following the injury suffered by Steve Mildenhall at Walsall last weekend.

Crewe Alexandra Gary Roberts has joined the club on a month's loan from Ipswich. The 23-year-old was due to be included in the squad for last night's match with Leyton Orient.

League Two

Chester City The former Republic of Ireland international Jason McAteer has been appointed as a coach at the Deva Stadium. The 36-year-old was released as player-coach by Tranmere last year. "He's just a different voice who will freshen up the coaching side of things," Seals manager Bobby Williamson said of the former Bolton Wanderers and Liverpool midfielder. "He's sitting his coaching exams and we felt we could help with that."

Lincoln City Former Swindon manager Iffy Onuora has been appointed as the new assistant manager with the Imps. "To be joining a forward-thinking club is an exciting prospect and I can't wait to get stuck in," he said.

Dagenham and Redbridge Stevenage defender Mark Arber, 30, has joined the Daggers on loan until the end of the season.