REG MATTHEWS : RIP

Former Coventry City goalkeeper Reg Matthews has died after a short illness at the age of 68.

Matthews joined Coventry as a youth and made his debut for the first team in 1953.

Matthews made history twice in his career. Firstly by becoming the first Coventry City, and Division 3, player to play for England. Secondly by becoming the highest paid goalkeeper after a £22,000 move to Chelsea in 1956/7.

Matthews made 116 appearances for Coventry and won 5 full international caps for England.

MORE ABOUT REG MATTHEWS

GARY BREEN : PASSED THE IRISH TEST

Gary Breen played the full 90 minutes in the Republic of Ireland's 4-0 victory over Cyprus yesterday.

Breen showed no signs of the hamstring injury that he picked up in Coventry's game against Gillingham last week. He is now likely to feature in the Worthington Cup game against Chelsea this week.

Lee Carsley also played a lively part in the Republic's impressive win, after coming on for Mark Kennedy after 64 minutes.

The Republic of Ireland earnt themselves a World Cup qualifying play-off place with this result after Portugal beat Estonia 5-0. Ireland will face an Asian side in a play-off clash next month in their bid to reach next year's tournament in Japan and South Korea.

JOHN EUSTACE : ON THE WAY BACK

Coventry midfielder John Eustace is working hard to be fully fit again for the local derby with Birmingham City at St Andrews on 25 November.

Eustace has missed most of the season with a knee injury that he picked up during the pre-season Ireland tour.

The 21 year old started with Birmingham but moved to Coventry in 1999 with fellow teenagers Martin Devaney and Moses Blake.

ROBERT BETTS : DONCASTER SETTLEMENT

Coventry City FC and Doncaster Rovers FC have finally reached a settlement in their long running dispute relating to Robert Betts.

Agreement was reached following mediation carried out under the auspices of the Sports Dispute Resolution Panel.

The parties had referred the matter to FA Arbitration but both clubs agreed to give mediation a chance. The mediation session was arranged with Charles Middleton-Smith of national law firm Hammond Suddards Edge.

Graham Hover of Coventry City said:

“We are pleased that this matter has been resolved on an amicable basis in the spirit of goodwill on both sides. We wish Doncaster Rovers every success in regaining Football League status.”

Peter Wetzel, deputy chairman of Doncaster Rovers said:

“I cannot disclose the terms of the settlement which are confidential but I can say that the mediation process assisted the clubs in reaching a settlement which suits both of them.”

Since joining Coventry from Doncaster in 1999 Betts has been on the subs bench three time for the first team, as well as featuring in the youth and reserve teams. The 19 year old also had a run out in Coventry's friendly against Pakistan.