Coleman has managed Fulham and Real Sociedad

Chris Coleman has signed a three-and-a-half year deal to become the manager of Coventry City.

The former Fulham boss, 37, who had been out of work since leaving Real Sociedad in January, replaces Iain Dowie - who was sacked on 11 February.

Steve Kean, Coleman's assistant at Fulham, will join as his number two.

Coleman said: "This is a big club, all geared up to be in the Premier League. It will not be easy but we want to build a team in order to do that."

Interview: New Coventry boss Chris Coleman

Chris buys into our five-year plan and I buy into what he hopes to achieve Chairman Ray Ranson

The former Wales centre-back, who also played for the Cottagers, Manchester City, Swansea and Blackburn, was impressed by chairman Ray Ranson's strategy.

City are 20th in the Championship but Coleman explained: "The most important thing for me is where the club wanted to be in a few years' time, and that is the Premier League.

"We know we have to be patient but we will play football the right way.

"I am not going to kick it long, that is not my way of doing things, or the chairman's. I like my players to pass the ball."

Ranson insisted Coleman was always his "number one target" despite interest from "a number of top-class coaches and managers".

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He believes he has the right man to take the club forward, saying: "We hit it off straight away.

"There are no quick fixes in football - we have got a five-year plan. Chris buys into that and I buy into what he hopes to achieve.

"We have discussed how much money he will get to strengthen the club in the summer. We will work together and build a club and team that Coventry will be proud of."