Black day for Sky Blues

Coventry today appointed Eric Black as manager following the resignation of Gary McAllister.

Black had begun the campaign as assistant to player-manager McAllister but took over the reins on a temporary basis six games ago when his fellow Scotsman was granted compassionate leave to spend time with his wife, Denise, who is battling a serious illness.

Black had also deputised for McAllister during October when the midfielder had again been granted a leave of absence from the club.

But in the wake of McAllister’s formal resignation on Monday, 42-year-old Black has been handed charge on a permanent basis until the end of the 2004-05 season.

Prior to his arrival in the West Midlands, Black’s only other managerial experience had come at Motherwell.

Chairman Mike McGinnity told the club’s official website, www.ccfc.co.uk: “Although we had a number of applications for the post, it was clear from day one Eric was our first and only choice and we’re delighted he has accepted our offer.

“We have no doubt Eric has all the right credentials to be an excellent manager for Coventry City.

“He is a top coach and a thoroughly professional individual, who has already helped to achieve a tremendous amount here. We look forward to continuing our work with him.”

West Brom have signed Republic of Ireland midfielder Mark Kinsella from Aston Villa on a short-term contract until the end of the season.

The 31-year-old had only made two appearances for David O’Leary’s side this season and will strengthen Albion’s push for promotion back to the Barclaycard Premiership.

Kinsella, who twice helped Charlton to promotion from the First Division, joined Villa for £700,000 (€1m) from the London club in August 2002 and played 24 times for them last term.

Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy has been forced to return to the drawing board in his search for a new striker after target Clint Mathis turned his attention back to Germany.

The United States international headed for Wearside having already received an offer from Bundesliga outfit Hannover which, after spending two days training with the Black Cats, he decided to accept.

Mathis was keen to play in England, but cash-strapped Sunderland could not have hoped to meet the financial package with which he had already been presented, leaving McCarthy back at square one.

He continues to maintain an interest in Huddersfield’s highly-rated hitman Jon Stead, but last week decided not to pursue a deal with former Bristol Rovers and Reading frontman Jamie Cureton following a short trial.

Derby defender Chris Palmer has joined Conference promotion chasers Hereford on a one-month loan deal and could make his first appearance for the Edgar Street club on Saturday.

The 20-year-old has yet to make a first-team appearance for the Rams but has become a regular fixture in the reserves.

Palmer could make his debut for second-placed Hereford at Morecambe after becoming the third fringe player farmed out on loan by Rams boss George Burley, with Steve Elliott plying his trade with Blackpool and Lewis Hunt at Southend.

West Ham have made their first signing following the sale of David James to Manchester City, taking Anthony Barness on a month’s loan from Bolton.

The 30-year-old former Chelsea and Charlton full-back impressed on trial with the Hammers and has signed with a view to a permanent transfer.

He steps straight into the squad for the trip to Sheffield United this weekend.

Leicester striker Trevor Benjamin has agreed to join Brighton on a one-month loan deal and is set to make his debut against QPR on Saturday.

The 24-year-old former Cambridge forward scored nine goals in Leicester’s Division One promotion campaign last season, but has found it difficult to break into the first team this term.

Crystal Palace have signed Fulham youngster Mark Hudson on a one-month loan.

The 21-year-old defender played under Palace manager Iain Dowie when he was in charge of Oldham earlier in the season.

Hartlepool manager Neale Cooper has signed defender Scott Walker after his release by Dunfermline.

Former Ross County manager Cooper has long been an admirer of the 28-year-old centre-back, who has had spells with Alloa and St Mirren.

Notts County manager Gary Mills has made his third loan signing this week with the capture of versatile Sheffield United player Andy Parkinson.

Mills raided his former club Coventry on Wednesday to bring David Pipe and Avun Jephcott to Meadow Lane on one-month loan deals and Parkinson has joined the Magpies on a similar deal.

Southend have signed midfielder Mark Bentley from Conference club Dagenham & Redbridge for an undisclosed fee.

The 26-year-old, who can play in the centre or on the right side of midfield, has penned a two-and-a-half-year deal at Roots Hall.

Scunthorpe have signed three Premiership players on one-month loan deals ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Bury.

Boss Brian Laws has swooped for winger Jeff Smith and striker Cleveland Taylor from Bolton, in addition to Middlesbrough defender Phillip Gulliver.

Northampton boss Colin Calderwood has completed a double swoop by snapping up Wigan striker Magno Vieira and Ipswich midfielder Nabil Abidallah.

Brazilian marksman Vieira, 18, and former Holland youth international Abidallah, 21, have been signed on one-month loan deals.

Carlisle have extended Matty Fryatt’s loan spell from Walsall by a further month.