CUP ACTION : COVENTRY v CHELSEA

Roland Nilsson's unbeaten managerial run came to an end as Coventry came against a classy Chelsea side at Highfield Road.

Two goals in the second half from Gudjohnsen (56) and Forssell (59) reminded Coventry of the mountain they still have to climb to back to the Premiership.

Despite being on the losing side, the match was a milestone for last minute debutante Gary Montgomery. The 19 year old number 3 goalkeeper was given a start after Hedman injured a hamstring during the pre-match warm-up.

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ROLAND NILSSON : APPOINTMENT IMMINENT

Roland Nilsson's permanent appointment as manager of Coventry City is expected to be confirmed in the next few days.

It is reported that a deal has been agreed 'in principle' after intensive negotiations.

Full contract terms are still to be finalised, but it would now seem highly likely that Nilsson will be confirmed as the permanent successor to Gordon Strachan before Sunday's Midlands derby at Walsall.

OLD BOYS : WORTHINGTON CUP ACTION

Former Coventry sharpshooter Robbie Keane hit the jackpot with a hatrick for Leeds as they thrased beleagured Leicester City 6-0.

This match had another local interest point as it marked the first team debut for midfielder Matthew Piper, the brother of Warwickshire CC wicketkeeper Keith Piper.

In Liverpool's shock defeat by lowly Grimsby former captain Gary McAllister got the opening goal for the Merseysiders from the penalty spot. Liverpool were undone however in the final minute by a speculative 30 yarder from Phil Jevons which beat ex-City teen star Chris Kirkland.

Newly prospering Craig Bellamy scored the only goal in Newcastle's victory over Barnsley. It was Bellamy's sixth goal of the season and he is certainly showing form that was not evident during his spell with the Sky Blues.

OLD BOYS : STRACHAN FOR SCOTLAND?

Gordon Strachan is being tipped as a favorite to replace out-going Scotland manager Craig Brown.

Brown announced he was giving up the manager's post he had held for eight years after Scotland’s failure to qualify for the World Cup play-offs. He will be staying on in the Scottish national setup as Technical Director.

Now the hunt is on for a new man to steer the Scotland national side and recently departed City manager Strachan is emerging as the bookies frontrunner.

Despite his dismal form with Coventry commentators have suggested that Strachan would be more effective running the national side where he wouldn't have to be distracted by the day-to-day hassle of club management.

OLD BOYS : JARNI BACK IN THE UK?

Croatian international, and short time Coventry City recruit, Robert Jarni could be heading back to Britain for a trial with West Ham.

Jarni joined City from Real Betis in August 1998 for £2.6m. But less than two weeks later he was on his way to Real Madrid after a change of mind. City netted a tidy profit selling him on for £3.35m.

The Croatian midfielder has failed to make an impact at his latest club Las Palmas and could now be heading back to England if he impresses West Ham.

UNDER 19's : MAN UTD BREAK WINNING RUN

The Under 19's unbeaten run since the start of the season came to an end on Saturday with an away defeat by Manchester United's youngsters.

The Reds won 3-1 with goals from David Fox, who is the son of former Stoke keeper Peter Fox, Colin Heath and Daniel Nardiello.

Coventry's only reply was from a Lee Fowler penalty.