Gordon Strachan could quit as manager of Coventry City if he is given a “helper”, and Trevor Francis is being tipped to replace him, according to reports.

Chairman Bryan Richardson is thinking of bringing in an experienced new coach to help Strachan get through to the end of the season.

The Daily Mail says that Strachan will walk out if this happens, but Richardson already has someone lined up.

This is thought to be Trevor Francis, who has been threatened with the sack from Birmingham City if his side fails to make the play-offs.

Francis has guided the Blues to the Worthington Cup Final against Liverpool next month - one more final than Strachan has managed since he took the reigns at Highfield Road.

The idea is similar to one at Middlesborough, where Terry Venables has overseen a renaissance since coming in as Bryan Robson’s head coach.

Coventry City lost on Saturday by a single goal at home to Arsenal. Again it was a goal towards the end of the game that caused the defeat, as Dennis Bergkamp scored in the 78th minute.

The Sky Blues are rooted second from bottom, and still have games against five top clubs left to play.

To avoid the drop it would take a string of excellent results at both home and away.

The Mail says Strachan would quit if Richardson imposes a "helper" on him, but would not be opposed to appointing another coach of his own choice.

He has another four years to a contract he signed last March, and would have to be paid up if he was dismissed.

But the team’s improved performance since the terrible 3-1 defeat to Everton has lightened the mood.

Last week’s cup defeat at Manchester City was seen as unlucky, and the Arsenal game showed that the team could play with pride, even if they could not score goals.

Strachan said:

"After the Everton game we had everyone trying to sneak out of the back door and not being able to look anyone in the eye.

"Today it was not a problem. It was a disappointing result, but you can't ask for any more and they have regained some of their pride.

"The first half summed up our season. We did well and worked hard but we cannot score goals."