Coventry have confirmed the appointment of former Charlton boss Iain Dowie as manager.

The 42-year-old, who has signed a three-and-a-half year contract, will be officially unveiled by the Coca-Cola Championship club at a press conference later today.

Dowie succeeds Micky Adams, who was sacked last month, while caretaker manager Adrian Heath parted company with the Sky Blues yesterday.

Managing director Paul Fletcher said: "When we decided to appoint a new manager, we set a number of criteria, in conjunction with a supporters' committee, which we felt were essential in selecting the right candidate.

"Iain was incredibly impressive on the occasions we met and there is no doubt that he was by far the strongest candidate in all of the criteria we set.

"This is undoubtedly an exciting time for everyone involved with the Sky Blues and we feel that we have the best available person to help take Coventry City forward, which is essential for the growth of our club."

Dowie has been out of work since leaving Charlton in November. He had been in charge at The Valley for just six months but paid the price for a poor start to the Premiership season.

Dowie had been controversially appointed by Charlton after leaving Crystal Palace, principally to return north, just weeks earlier.

He had previously enjoyed success with Palace, having taken them into the Premiership in 2004.

The former Northern Ireland and Southampton striker Dowie, after a short stint as caretaker boss at QPR, began his managerial career with Oldham in 2002 before moving to Palace the following year.

His first match in charge at Coventry will be tomorrow's Championship clash with Southampton at the Ricoh Arena.

Former Shelbourne defender Colin Hawkins is currently plying his trade at Coventry and has enjoyed a steady run in the fist-team since his move in the January transfer window.