How Coventry earned Premier League return after 25 years
The foundations were laid during pre-season, with Lampard's calming influence crucial in his first summer with the group, having replaced fan favourite Mark Robins in November 2024. Goalkeeper Carl Rushworth, who joined on loan from Brighton, has made the biggest impact but the team is largely the same from last term despite the mid-season loan additions of Romain Esse and Frank Onyeka. Insiders have been impressed with how Lampard has taken the squad on after last season's disappointment.
Within the group, the goal of automatic promotion changed to winning the title after they cemented themselves in the top two. Lampard got the job ahead of former player John Eustace, with owner King a huge admirer. King has an office at the training ground, where he is a regular presence, chatting with staff, knowing them all by name.
He will often be seen in the canteen making coffee and talking to the chef. There is no separate area for the first team, and that has encouraged an inclusive atmosphere at Sky Blue Lodge. For the players, the training ground has become a place to build team spirit - an upgraded, expanded gym allows them all to train at the same time.
To use the old gym, they used to take turns in groups. Even the drive into the training ground has been upgraded in recent years - a sleek, professional, well-lit set-up replacing the old unkempt grassy banks. Frank Lampard faced Coventry with West Ham and Chelsea as a player Lampard has the aura of a player who has won the lot in club football.
His influence convinced players to sign for Coventry when they had other options. Part of Lampard's job has been to ensure his players - both the new signings and those more established - still feel part of the group when they have not been playing much. He has helped inspire players like Brandon Thomas-Asante, who could have left for Blackburn and Derby last year, to double his goalscoring tally from last season.