Coventry City: Players won for Tony Mowbray, says caretaker boss Mark Venus

Mark Venus had Nicky Eaden, newly promoted to first-team coach, alongside him at Vale Park

Departed Coventry City manager Tony Mowbray's resignation was the inspiration behind Saturday's first league win of the season at Port Vale, says caretaker boss Mark Venus.

City's first League One win in 11 attempts this season came just two days after ex-Middlesbrough boss Mowbray had stood down, after 18 months in charge.

When asked if Mowbray's exit had been a factor, Venus replied: "Definitely.

"Everyone was disappointed but professional people have a response."

He told BBC Coventry & Warwickshire: "The players have done just that. It's a start. It's a win."

Defender Jordan Turnbull admitted: "The gaffer deciding to leave was a big kick up the backside for the lads.

"This was a great reaction," he added to BBC Coventry & Warwickshire. "Now we need to kick on from that. We've been always been confident in our ability. And I didn't think we were too far away in our other games. But now we've proved we can hold a lead we need to go out and win some more."

"It's been coming for a couple of weeks," agreed fellow defender Jordan Willis. "We just didn't manage to get the goals. Now we have."

Who will get the Coventry City job?

Venus will remain in charge for Tuesday night's EFL Trophy group game at home to Northampton Town but, beyond that, the question of who will ultimately succeed Mowbray remains a matter of speculation.

Former Coventry boss Steven Pressley was the early frontrunner with the bookmakers, who have since installed former Cheltenham Town, Stoke City, Burnley. Notts County, Portsmouth, Nottingham Forest and Bristol City manager Steve Cotterill as the new favourite.

But former Boston United, Crawley Town, Rotherham United and Leeds United manager Steve Evans is also high in the betting after reportedly being spotted in the crowd at Vale Park on Saturday.

Coventry are looking for their ninth 'permanent' manager since owners Sisu (now registered as Otium) took over nine years ago.

Since City's relegation from the Premiership under Gordon Strachan in 2001, the Sky Blues have had 13 managers.