A RESULT at Ipswich Town this Saturday could make or break Adrian Heath's attempt to land the Coventry City manager's job.Peter Reid's former No. 2 is keen to fill the hot seat and moved into pole position by guiding the Sky Blues to a 3-0 FA Cup win over Crewe last weekend.

By Derek Davis

A RESULT at Ipswich Town this Saturday could make or break Adrian Heath's attempt to land the Coventry City manager's job.

Peter Reid's former No. 2 is keen to fill the hot seat and moved into pole position by guiding the Sky Blues to a 3-0 FA Cup win over Crewe last weekend.

He knows a good performance at the Championship leaders will go a long way in helping his cause.

Heath said: “I think they're the best team in the division but when we played them here I thought we were very unfortunate to lose the game. If I'm in charge, I'm looking forward to it.

“All I can do is prepare the team as best I can and, if we get some results, then it might swing things my way. If we lose games, then I know what the final scenario will be, but we have got a very difficult fixture coming up against probably the best home team in this division.

“But Saturday's result will certainly help the players, who will be in a better frame of mind this week and come the weekend.”

Heath admitted he has already applied for the job but was sad to see good friend Reid walk out on City last Thursday.

He added: “I spoke to the chairman on Friday and told him I think I can do the job. One thing I know is that, had we lost on Saturday, then I would have had no chance. But, maybe, I have got a little chance now. Obviously, it is a decent job for someone, and there will be no shortage of people wanting to take the job, but we will see what happens.

“But I never wanted to get a job in this way because I would rather Peter was still here. I have been best friends with him 20-odd years and I know how much it has hurt him to quit on the job, which I was amazed at, and is the first time I have seen him do it.”

As well as being judged on results in the coming weeks, as he attempts to stamp his own mark on the team, Heath will also come under scrutiny from a panel that will include board members, fans' representatives and a football expert, such as former City boss John Sillett, who will take part in a 'unique' selection process.

Coventry chairman Mike McGinnity, who is helping to draw up a shortlist, said: “We have had 30 applicants for the manager's job so far and the win has given us a bit of breathing space, and if we can get a win next week, even better.

“We have got to get the appointment right this time, although there are no guarantees, but we have listened to the fans and are trying to get them involved in the process.

“We haven't worked out the details yet but it is a unique process that we are planning. I would like to take our time but, for the first time for a long time, I don't think we have got our backs against the wall if that's the performance Adrian, who will be considered for the position, can get out of the players.”