The Sky Blue decade: 2002

Year In Brief: In the play-off hunt for most of the 2001/02 season, City imploded magnificently, losing six of their last seven games.

Chairman Mike McGinnity decided then that Gary McAllister was the man to take the Sky Blues back into the top-flight and the year ended with cautious optimism after the player/manager's displays led to a run of good results.

High Point: Probably a McAllister-inspired TV win over Derby four days before Christmas.

Low Point: Years of frustration boiled over as play-off hopes died at Preston in April with the popular figure of Roland Nilsson the main casualty, sacked from his role as player/boss.

Brief Encounter: A host of loan signings and free transfers arrived at Highfield Road as the financial situation began to bite, Steve Walsh, Fabien Debec and Jamie McMaster being among the most forgettable.

Quote Unquote: 'It must represent a gamble by the board but I don't see it as such,' said McAllister after taking the job.

'It has been a disappointing season for Coventry and I see it as a very exciting opportunity for me.

'I am very privileged to be asked. I am aware there were a lot of senior managers who applied for this job.'

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