How Lampard's own revival ended Coventry's 25-year wait
Coventry had hit the wall when Lampard arrived. Mark Robins guided them from League Two to the brink of the Premier League, losing on penalties in the play-off final to Luton in 2023. Robins' reign also included an FA Cup semi-final, which they lost on penalties to Manchester United, but Lampard needed to reinvigorate the club.
On his first day in November 2024 he gathered the squad and all the staff at Ryton, including the chefs and cleaners, to tell them they were better than the table suggested. He took over when they were 17th in the Championship, beating John Eustace to the job, with the season ending in a dramatic late play-off semi-final defeat by Sunderland. Lampard's assertions proved correct, but the loss was difficult for the squad to recover from, especially with minimal changes in the summer.
Defenders Kaine Kesler-Hayden cost £3. 5m from Aston Villa and Luke Woolfenden arrived from Ipswich for £4m, but only goalkeeper Carl Rushworth has made a significant impact after arriving on loan from Brighton. Players have joined because of Lampard's influence, moving to CBS Arena when they have had other options, to work with the 106-cap former England midfielder.
Coventry also kept their best players, rebuffing Sheffield United's bids for Bobby Thomas while Milan van Ewijk stayed despite Wolfsburg interest. The Blades made several offers for Thomas but Lampard made it clear he wanted the defender to stay and has forged a strong bond. Those close to the squad have described Lampard as humble and knowledgeable - his personable nature took some players by surprise when he joined, given his decorated career.
Lampard usually arrives at Coventry's Sky Blue Lodge training ground about 7. 30am and uses the gym before having breakfast with the squad. He will give the players time to talk.