Lampard keen for fresh start after play-off defeat

Coventry City head coach Frank Lampard said that his side "has to move on" from their play-off anguish and "start again" ahead of their opening game of the season against Hull City on Saturday (12:30 BST).

Lampard's side lost in extra time against Sunderland in last season's play-off semi-final but he told BBC Radio CWR that his players have to treat this season as completely different.

"I'm happy to be back, we start again off the back of what was a really positive season for us, with a disappointing ending," the former England international said.

"I always like the challenge of a new season, you must try to improve in every sense because everyone else around you is trying to do the same."

This is Lampard's first pre-season at the club following his appointment in November 2024 and his first opportunity to have a summer working with players.

"I know the squad now, I've worked with them for quite a few months. You are always learning as a coach, always growing and it is important to give players the opportunity to surprise you and train well because it is like a fresh start when you go again," he said.

The 47-year-old guided Coventry to their second play-off appearance in three seasons but when asked about if the top six was the target again this campaign, he said: "No, I haven't set targets.

"I think they are pretty pointless at this stage. We have an awareness of what the opening section of the season looks like but that is where our focus is."

Click here to listen to the full pre-match interview on BBC Sounds.