Former England midfielder Frank Lampard has been named the new manager of Championship club Coventry City, marking his return to coaching after a challenging spell in charge of Chelsea.
The 46-year-old, who has been out of work since his interim stint at Chelsea during the latter part of the 2022/23 season, will lead Coventry as they aim to climb the Championship table.
The club currently sits 17th, having controversially parted ways with former manager Mark Robins earlier this month, despite his success in taking the team to the FA Cup semi-finals last season.
Lampard’s appointment was announced on Thursday, with the former Derby County and Everton boss signing a two-and-a-half-year contract.
His first match in charge will be a home fixture against Cardiff City on Saturday.
Club owner Doug King expressed confidence in Lampard’s ability to lead the team.
“I am delighted that Frank Lampard has agreed to join our club as head coach,” King said.
“Frank cut his teeth in the Championship and knows what is needed in this league to be successful.
His experiences at Chelsea and Everton will ensure he brings to our talented squad a clear understanding of exactly what is needed to succeed at the very top level that we, as a club, are striving to reach,” King continued.
Lampard’s coaching career has been a mixed bag, falling short of the heights of his illustrious playing days.
After a promising debut season in management at Derby County, where he led the Rams to the Championship playoff final in 2019, he was handed the reins at Chelsea.
His first spell at Stamford Bridge saw him guide a youthful squad to a top-four finish and the FA Cup final, but he was sacked after 18 months with the club languishing in ninth place.
His successor, Thomas Tuchel, went on to win the Champions League that same season.
Lampard later managed Everton, saving them from relegation in 2022 before being dismissed a year later.
His return to Chelsea as interim boss saw just one win in 11 games as the Blues finished a disappointing 12th in the Premier League.
Now, Lampard takes on the challenge of reigniting Coventry City’s season and proving his managerial capabilities in the highly competitive Championship.
AFP
