Boothroyd was appointed City's new manager yesterday, penning a three-year deal after chairman Ray Ranson agreed a compensation package with former employers Colchester.

He replaces Chris Coleman who, with the club having narrowly avoided the threat of administration, steered them clear of relegation in his first season back in 2008 before only managing 17th and 19th place finishes in the Coca-Cola Championship.

Nine years have now passed since the Sky Blues were relegated from the Barclays Premier League, ending a 34-year association with England's top flight, during which time they won the FA Cup in 1987. The glory days of Steve Ogrizovic, Cyrille Regis, Dion Dublin and Robbie Keane may have disappeared for now, but Boothroyd is determined to bring them back.

He said: "There's been different reasons for different league positions and clubs work in cycles, sometimes it's time for a club to come again - it's had its time in the doldrums and it needs to come again.

"Part of the many reasons that I want to come here is that I think it has the potential to go on and do really good things and I want to be part of that, part of a team that goes on and becomes successful."

Coventry's slumber has gone hand in hand with a succession of managers, with Boothroyd the club's ninth permanent appointment in the last nine years.

But the former Watford boss feels now is the right time to have patience.

"At this point in the club's history, obviously being safe from administration, I think it's a time now for stability and it's a new era, a new regime," he said.

"We're all judged on results at the end of it all and so far mine have been okay."

He continued: "I had a great time at Colchester and I'm grateful for the opportunity that I got.

"I'm really excited about getting hold of this place, along with Ray, and grabbing it and taking it forward."

Boothroyd's first task will be to assess his squad, look to tie sown star players such as goalkeeper Keiren Westwood and reinforce his ranks to ensure the midlands club can build towards the Premier League.

He certainly has the experience having done just that at Vicarage Road in 2006.

And Ranson insists funds will be available for the job at hand.

"There's certainly finance to strengthen the team," said the Coventry chief.

"There's quite a few players out of contract this year and that money will be coming back into the coffers, so we're looking to strengthen what we've got.

"We'll back the manager wherever we can."