Smith joins Coventry

Jim Smith left Derby in October

Former Derby boss Jim Smith has been appointed assistant manager at Coventry City.

The 61-year-old brings his vast experience of the game to Highfield Road and will help out rookie Sky Blues boss Roland Nilsson.

Smith will join the coaching staff on Friday after flying back from Spain.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge," he told BBC Radio Five Live.

"I will try and do everything I possibly can to get Roland his first managerial promotion," added Smith.

  Smith's managerial career

1972 Becomes boss at Colchester

1974 Gets Layer Road side promoted from Division Four

1980 Wins promotion to top flight with Birmingham

1984 Wins third division title with Oxford

1985 Takes Oxford to second division title

1986 Guides QPR to final of Milk Cup

1990 Takes Newcastle to second division play-offs

1992 Guides Portsmouth to FA Cup semi-final

1993 Pompey lose in first division play-offs

1996 Gets Derby promoted to the Premier League

Coventry chairman Bryan Richardson told BBC Ceefax Sport: "The terms of the deal are private.

"But Roland is in his first season in charge as manager and felt along with ourselves that it would be a good idea to get someone of Jim's solid experience to help out."

The Bald Eagle parted company with Premiership side Derby in October after more than six years at the helm.

Smith had been offered the post of director of football with the Rams but rejected it and his assistant Colin Todd took over.

He has previously managed at Colchester, Blackburn, Birmingham, Oxford, QPR, Newcastle and Portsmouth.