Coventry manager Coleman: I hate meddling chairmen, so leave me be

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The Welshman, 37, became the Sky Blues' eighth boss in seven years after succeeding Iain Dowie on a three-and- a-half year deal.

Big job: Chris Coleman needs to keep Coventry up

Coleman called his first boss, Fulham owner Mohamed Al Fayed, a 'colourful' character but suffered during his six-month stay at Real Sociedad after problems with the club's president Inaki Badiola.

And it is clear that a meddling boss — even one with a background in football like former Manchester City defender Ranson — will not be tolerated.

"This is something Chris has discussed with me," said Ranson. "He will identify the players. It is my job to go out and sign them."

Coleman, who was spared taking charge of his players for the first time at Hillsborough last night as Coventry's match was called off due to a frozen pitch, agreed that he is looking forward to an open dialogue with the club's new owner.

He said: "It will be nice to converse with someone who knows football. He will be a breath of fresh air. I had problems at Sociedad because I didn't agree with him (the president) signing players behind my back.

"If you are the manager, you are judged on the players and the results.

"I told them I wouldn't be blamed for players I hadn't signed. I agreed in my contract I could have the last say. But it's normal in this country for the manager to sign the players."

Relegation to League One was not mentioned by the new boss or his chairman until it was brought up by the floor, but Coleman said there is no mistaking the trouble Coventry are in.

He said: "I've come into this with my eyes wide open. We have to get away from the position we're in. We can't think it's never going to happen to us because then it can."

Ranson added: "Chris was always my No.1 choice. I've watched his career and saw how well he handled himself at Fulham.

"Spain didn't work out, but not many people have the courage to do what he did.

"This brings to an end an absolutely traumatic week for us but we have a longterm plan that I believe Chris can deliver."