Coventry City fires Chris Coleman

Coventry City have fired manager Chris Coleman following City’s disapointing 19th place finish in the Championship. The move came following a 4-0 thrashing at home courtesy of Watford that ensured a 19th place finish for The Sky Blues. The former Fulham manager took over for Ian Dowie when City sat in 20th place in February 2008 and successfully kept the club in the Championship for the past two seasons.

“I’m doing something wrong – I am – but it’s not all just me making mistakes as a manager,” said Coleman after the the Watford match. “I’ve got a great staff who work very hard but we need to make changes and that was evident in the game.”

“I enjoyed a very close working relationship with Chris and it’s been a pleasure to work with him since his arrival,” Coventry chairman Ray Ranson said.

Japan Calls Off 2018 Bid

Japan has chosen to focus exclusively on 2022 in their bid for the World Cup following urging by FIFA President Sepp Blatter. Japan joins Qatar and South Korea as countries bidding for 2022 exclusively. All indications are that a European country will receive the 2018 Cup which leaves the United States and Australia as the other countries still in contention for 2022.

“We were told European countries would be in a fierce tussle for 2018 and that aiming for 2022 would the best choice,” JA President Motoaki Inukai said. FIFA will name the hosts for both tournaments this December.

Wigan Vows To Challenge Chelsea

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has promised to provide a strong opposition to Chelsea this weekend. “I can guarantee everyone that we will give our best,” Martinez told BBC Sport. The Lactics have already secured their safety from Relegation this season but a win could move them up to 14th place, which brings an additional £75,000 in prize money.

Wigan has been one of the most inconsistent clubs this season. They beat Arsenal and Liverpool but could only draw 2-2 with Hull City on Monday. Sir Alex Ferguson is obviously hoping for a strong performance by the Lactics.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a sealed result against Wigan by any shadow of a doubt,” said Ferguson. “They’re a good team, they’ll have a go and you never know. It’s a crazy game.”