Coventry 2, Sunderland 0: managers' reactions

Despite a 2-0 opening day loss away at Highfield Road, Mick McCarthy seemed reasonably pleased with his team's performance this afternoon.

McCarthy told Press Association, "The match was going nowhere, it was dying, but then we give a penalty away and the game swings.

"It was a penalty for sure, no argument - but I don’t think the 2-0 scoreline was a fair reflection of the game.

"I thought we gave a decent away performance and probably deserved a point."

Former SAFC gaffer Peter Reid was obviously delighted with the result - and is already looking at the possibility of promotion to the Premiership.

"I reckon there’s 12 or maybe even 14 clubs who’ve got a chance of going up but if we steer clear of injuries, we’re in with a chance too. We’re capable of making it difficult for the so-called favourites.

Speaking about Eddie Johnson, who sealed Coventry's win only minutes from full time, Reid said, "I’ll have to ring Alex Ferguson and thank him again for letting us take Eddie because I’ve got to say I thought he was outstanding. He was superb leading our forward line in what were very hot and difficult conditions.

But Reid admits his team need to step up their performance despite bagging all three points today.

"It’s a great result for us because we scored two goals and kept a clean sheet when, overall, I didn’t think we played with a great deal of fluidity."