Dowie proud of cup effort
31 Oct 2007 - 08:14:41
Coventry City manager Iain Dowie admitted there were 'broken hearts' in the dressing room after Tuesday's 2-1 Carling Cup defeat at the hands of West Ham.
The Sky Blues, who defeated Manchester United in the last round, failed to reach the quarter-finals after losing out narrowly to the Hammers at the Ricoh Arena.
But having taken the lead and then held Premier League opposition to a 1-1 draw until injury time, Dowie admitted that defeat was a bitter pill to swallow.
"I am very proud of the players. They could not have done anything more," he said.
"Obviously, it is very galling to lose in that way.
"There are bound to be a few broken hearts in our dressing room so it is my job to mend them."
However, Dowie was critical of referee Rob Styles, who he claims missed a clear handball in the build-up to Carlton Cole's late winner.
"I do not want to bemoan the referee's decision but yes it was handball," he claimed.
"I am sure Rob Styles will ring me to say he has got it wrong when he sees it."