Around League One

Former Coventry City manager Iain Dowie is being linked with a return to former club Oldham Athletic after the departure of Paul Dickov.

Youth team boss Tony Philliskirk, whose son Danny signed for the Sky Blues last week, is currently in caretaker charge but said of Dowie: ‘I’ve heard his name banded about and he’s an excellent coach and manager, which the team need.

City are in the North-West this weekend for a crucial game against Bury. The Shakers, who also host Sheffield United on Tuesday night, have added to their squad with the signing of DR Congo-born Belgian forward Jeanvion Yulu-Matondo after a successful trial spell.

After that the Sky Blues face Crewe Alexandra twice in the space of a few days with their JPT opponents looking to tie young frontman Max Clayton down to a longer deal.

Alex boss Steve Davis told the club’s official website: ‘Max is still a young player and is still learning. He has come into the side this season and done okay. We just need him to add goals on a consistent basis.

And ex-City loanee Freddie Sears believes a consistent run of games at Colchester United is finally helping him live up to the promise he first showed as a teenager at West Ham.

‘I came into the game early and at the time it’s unbelievable,’ he told BBC Radio Essex. “But the seasons after you have to take a back step because it’s about development and maybe you come on too soon.’