Lampard makes history with Coventry City

The grey and cloudy skies have cleared once again for Coventry City since Frank Lampard’s managerial appointment in November of last year. City were 17th in the Championship table when former manager Mark Robins was sacked, but under new leadership have shot up into 5th place, a playoff position.

Coventry City’s thrilling 3-2 win against Stoke City, where defender Bobby Thomas’ 97th minute winning goal secured the three points, meant that the team had won 9 out of their last 10 league games for the first time since 1954, which even then was in the division below. To rub salt in ex-manager Robins’ wounds, this feat was completed against his Stoke side, who appeared dejected as they left the pitch of the newly energised Coventry Building Society Arena. Sam Gallagher’s second-half brace was not enough to secure Stoke a share of the points against this fiery Coventry side, who had taken command early into the game through a salvo of goals from striker Victor Torp.

Prior to his takeover at Coventry, Frank Lampard’s managerial history was rocky. His first role was with Championship side Derby County, currently 22nd in the table, from July 2018 to July 2019. Lampard guided Derby to the final of the play-offs but they ultimately lost to Aston Villa.

Lampard’s moderate success at Derby attracted the attention of former playing club Chelsea, who appointed him as manager in 2019. For many Chelsea fans, Lampard’s step up from the Championship to football’s elite seemed too far, too soon. His stints at Chelsea from 2019-2021 and then later as caretaker manager from April to June of 2023 did not exactly bring him the same success and legendary status that he had as a player for the Blues.

Nevertheless, Lampard has shown resilience in his young career as a manager, enlivening the spirits of both the Coventry City players and fans this season. If he can translate his success into silverware, it does make one wonder whether he is a Coventry legend in the making.

The Sky Blues’ win against Stoke City on Matchday 36 leaves them with 10 games to play, and has provided security within the playoff places. As of now, only Sunderland, Burnley, Sheffield United and Leeds sit above Coventry in the Championship, albeit with a clear separation from the chasing pack. A return to football’s promised land has not seemed this likely since defeat in the 2023 playoff final to Luton Town. With Lampard at the helm, could the Sky Blues go that extra step this season?