Coventry City

Mantej Mann
BBC Sport Journalist

Image source, Tom Leach CCFC

Lampard arrives at the CBS Arena with the sole task of delivering promotion.

Ahead of this season, Coventry City were selling season tickets as a ‘Premier League’ package, which would entitle buying fans to a free season ticket once the club moved up into the top-flight.

An ambitious ploy which was met with huge demand and a record number of season tickets sold.

Doug King has made changes to the club's hierarchy with chief commercial officer Tynan Scope and chief executive Dave Boddy both leaving their posts since he took charge in January 2023.

That reshuffle culminated with the departure of much-loved manager Mark Robins three weeks ago to signal a new era.

Lampard inherits a side from Robins who are languishing in 17th place in the table, two points above the relegation zone.

Only six sides have scored more goals than City this season, but in truth, they have not replaced Viktor Gyokeres as a main focal point in attack.

USA international Haji Wright was brought in last summer as a record signing but his more favoured position is on the wing, while Brandon Thomas-Asante’s move from West Brom before this season has failed to live up to expectations so far.

Ellis Simms, meanwhile, has struggled for consistency but Lampard has worked with the forward before at Everton and will be hoping to reinvigorate the 23-year-old.

Lampard is renowned for developing young talent and promising 20-year-old Norman Bassette opened his account in a fiery display against promotion-chasing Sheffield United and could be tasked with firing City up the table.

Many supporters were disappointed at the departure of Robins but football fans can quickly forget after a few good results.

Lampard will be backed by vociferous support from ‘Singers corner’ in his first game and victory over Cardiff City could be the kickstart everyone connected to Coventry City desires.

Image source, Rex Features

BBC CWR's Rob Gurney

Frank Lampard is Doug King's choice. Now he has to deliver a return to football's top table for the first time in a quarter of a century.

His profile is just what the owner wants - bringing the name of Coventry City Football Club into the psyche of people outside the game.

And the Lampard contacts book brings with it an expectation that he'll be able to conjure up something hitherto missing from this group of players to take that extra step that Mark Robins couldn't.

Until January, though, he has to get a tune out of an underachieving, underperforming squad and work out his priorities for that next transfer window.

Getting Derby to the Championship play-off final was an achievement. But, just like his Sky Blues predecessor, Lampard couldn't quite revisit the promised land.

It's not a universally popular appointment with Sky Blues fans but going forward together, rather than divided, has to be the right approach now.

Image source, Rex Features

George Boateng has left his role as Coventry City first-team coach in the wake of Frank Lampard's appointment as head coach.

A club statement said: "We would all like to thank George for his contribution to the Sky Blues since his return to the club in the summer.

"George was a popular figure, adding to his 57-game and seven-goal playing spell at the club during the 1990s.

"We all wish George the best of luck for the future."

Lampard is bringing in former Millwall boss Joe Edwards, with whom he has worked at Derby, Everton and Chelsea, as his number two.

Chris Jones is also joining the coaching staff, having worked with Lampard at his previous three clubs.

Rhys Carr, who had been in interim charge of late, having previously been assistant to Mark Robins, will remain on the backroom team as first-team coach.

Image source, Rex Features

It is fair to say that Coventry's decision to appoint Frank Lampard as successor to the departed Mark Robins has proved pretty controversial, particularly among the Sky Blues support.

The former Chelsea and England midfielder, now 46, takes over with the club 17th in the Championship table, two points above the relegation places.

The Sky Blues job will be Lampard's fifth in management, following spells at Derby County, Everton and two stints with Chelsea, the most recent ending in May 2023.

Judging by some of the comments from fans underneath our story, many of you are fearing the worst after this appointment.

Cuddle: Coventry fans absolutely do NOT want this appointment and never have. Slap in the face from the new owner who knows nothing about football.

Andre: That's Coventry down then. Ridiculous decision to sack Robins and appoint a far worse coach.

Me: This has got the Birmingham Rooney situation all over it. When will these owners ever learn?

Michael: Absolutely terrible appointment. Given this job based on his name, not his managerial ability or record. Always had a soft spot for Coventry, and was hoping they might get back up into the Premier League in the not too distant future. With this development they are more likely to be back in League One.

It is not universal negativity, mind. There are some fans, particularly from the east midlands, who have fond memories of Lampard the manager.

Darren: People disrespect him but they completely forget he took Derby to the Championship play-off final, he also got Chelsea into the Top Four whilst they had a transfer ban. He’s not as “awful” as everyone makes him out to be, he’s a lot better than Rooney, put it that way!

Samthompson: I really like the guy and hope he does well, but I fear it's just another massive error in sacking a solid manager for a big name. I feel for Coventry fans as I do not expect this to end well, but I hope it does for everyone's sake.

Richard: Lampard cannot be blamed for the decision to sack Robins. Now he has to succeed but don’t judge him on Everton, because of the other issues that have hampered the club for so long. Derby was ok so hope it works out. But what is success - with the parachute payments to other clubs, habitually in or near the play offs maybe realistic??

Eaststand: Speaking as a Derby fan I would say that Lampard is a far better manager than Rooney. Lampard produced an entertaining team at Pride Park and was unfortunate to come up against a Villa side containing Grealish, McGinn, Abraham and Mings in the play-off final.

And finally, a reminder that managers may come and go, but the club is always the most important thing.

Number132: Just to remind you, it's Coventry City, not "Frank Lampard's Coventry" or any such nonsense!

Image source, PA Media

Coventry City midfielder Josh Eccles said there are "exciting times" ahead despite the loss at Burnley and a three-week wait for a new head coach to be appointed.

The Sky Blues fell to a 2-0 defeat at Turf Moor on Tuesday night in temporary boss Rhys Carr's third game in charge since Mark Robins was sacked.

Eccles said it was a "disappointing" result but doesn't believe a lack of certainty at the club has impacted recent performances.

"I wouldn't say it's affected the boys," Eccles told BBC Radio CWR's Sky Blues Fancast.

"I think the coaches and staff here have kept us at ease. Rhys has been tremendous, and he said if I hear anything, I'll be the first one to tell you.

"We're still waiting. It's exciting times, but who knows what can happen and when."

Eccles said Coventry have the "fighting spirit" to keep going even when they fall a goal behind and is already looking to the next game against Cardiff on Saturday to bounce back.

"They're below us, so it's going to be a massive six-pointer, shall we say," Eccles added.

"I feel like we've got to take the anger and disappointment out of this game and put it to the game on Saturday. We've got to go and smash them.

"Obviously, it's at home, so we know we're going to have the fans backing us and put on a good performance and get the three points and see if we can get the clean sheet as well."

You can listen to Josh Eccles' interview with the Sky Blues Fancast on BBC Sounds.

Image source, Getty Images

Frank Lampard has been heavily linked with becoming Coventry City's new head coach since Mark Robins was sacked three weeks ago.

Here's a look at what supporters appearing on BBC Radio CWR's Sky Blues Fancast think of Lampard as a potential new boss.

CJ Joiner: "I wouldn't be against Lampard coming in at all. I think he did have a reasonable record at Chelsea given the circumstances you're working in.

"Forget about that second spell, but the first spell, he did very well, I thought. Got to a cup final, fourth place. I think he did very well there."

Matt Cattell: "Doug [King] is in a position here; if he made the decision too quickly, makes the wrong appointment, everybody is going to turn toxic and go against him.

"We've got a good calibre list there of potential candidates, to be talking about Lampard and [Lee] Carsley and [Steve] Cooper."

Adam Sloman: "I think Lampard would be a good appointment. I just want to get someone in post and get behind them now.

"And stop all the questioning that has been going on and some of the negativity that it's brought out of us as a fanbase.

"I think Cooper's sacking probably comes a week too late for him to really be a candidate. But it would be nice to just get it done and dusted."

Image source, Rex Features

Coventry City's interim head coach Rhys Carr believes there is more to come from Norman Bassette.

The 20-year-old scored his first goal for the Sky Blues in their 2-2 draw with Sheffield United last weekend and is in line to start Tuesday night's Championship match at Burnley.

Bassette joined from French side Caen in August, signing a four-year deal but had made just two Championship starts with a further four appearances off the bench before his performance against the Blades.

"He's already a good player but he's going to be a really good player," Carr told BBC CWR.

"Norman's enthusiasm is infectious and his willingness to work for the team is brilliant - you'd rather have a player you have to reign in than trying to get more out of them."

Bassette made his senior international debut for Belgium in their 1-0 defeat by Israel in the Uefa Nations League earlier this month and Carr thinks that will only help him develop.

"He's a confident boy anyway but the cap he won for a top footballing nation like Belgium has given him a bit more of a spring in his step - he started (against Sheffield United) and it worked out well," Carr added.

Coventry City may be without a manager but the Sky Blues fared well during their 2-2 comeback against promotion contenders Sheffield United on the weekend - and will hoping to put in another strong performance as they visit 4th place Burnley on Tuesday.

The Clarets, though, have only lost one of their last 13 league games (W6 D6) to leave them just two points behind league leaders Leeds United and possess a particularly strong record against the visitors.

• Burnley have only lost one of their last 10 league games against Coventry City (W6 D3), a 1-0 away defeat in November 2010.

• Coventry are winless in their last five league visits to Burnley (D3 L2) since a 2-1 win on the final day of the 2006-07 season.

• Burnley are looking to keep five successive home clean sheets in the league for the first time since August 2009 (6), while they last did so in the same season in January 2005 in the Championship.

• After earning just three points in eight away league games between April and October (D3 L5), Coventry have collected five points from their last three such games (W1 D2).

• Burnley manager Scott Parker’s only previous season against Coventry came in 2021-22 in the Championship in charge of Bournemouth, drawing 2-2 at home and winning 3-0 away.

Image source, Rex Features

Coventry City midfielder Jack Rudoni says all he and his team-mates can do is "remain in the present" as they await to see who will become the next manager.

Former Chelsea and England star Frank Lampard is understood to remain the main contender to succeed Mark Robins.

Much-travelled Steve Round, who has worked in various roles with Newcastle United, Everton, Manchester United, Aston Villa and England, has now also been linked with a role in the new Sky Blues hierarchy following his summer departure from Arsenal.

But Rudoni told BBC CWR: "We don't know who's coming in, so all we can do is remain in the present.

"The staff have been very good with us and tried not to make things too difficult."

Speaking after his corner was headed in by Bobby Thomas for a late equaliser to earn the Sky Blues a 2-2 draw against Sheffield United, Rudoni added: "There is a big sense of frustration that we didn't win.

"We just have to cut out conceding silly goals. But it was nice to get a good cross in for the goal. I'd had a few that weren't as good. It's not easy when you're trying to miss out six-foot-six strikers. But it was a nice little finish from Bobby."

The fact that Coventry had a man advantage for the whole of the second half was down to the red card received by Blades defender Anel Ahmedhodzic in a late first-half incident with City striker Norman Bassette.

The Belgian, only playing because of the injury to USA international Haji Wright, was accused of gamesmanship by Blades boss Chris Wilder, who suggested that Bassette had goaded Ahmedhodzic into losing his temper.

Rudoni said: "He's got a bit of that side to him. But sometimes you need that from a striker. He's a good lad. He cares. And he's still learning. He's young, energetic and he's doing really well. He's got a bright future and is a joy to play with."

Image source, Rex Features

It has really been a Coventry old boys' reunion in the city this week.

First, Mark Robins made his return to Coventry just a fortnight after being sacked - to be presented with an honorary doctorate by Coventry University.

Now, having been almost forgotten about in all the palaver over Robins' exit and Frank Lampard being the favourite to succeed him, it is the turn of two more former Sky Blues favourites - Gustavo Hamer and Callum O'Hare.

Hamer and O'Hare are expected to start, subject to fitness, when second-placed Sheffield United arrive on Saturday.

Both were part of the Sky Blues side that reached the Championship play-off final in May 2023 - but Hamer left for Bramall Lane three months later and O'Hare followed in July.

It is a matter of pure speculation as to what might have happened, had City kept hold of them.

As it is, Coventry sit 17th in the Championship table, 15 points behind Chris Wilder's Blades.

United have won their past four games on the spin, including the 1-0 derby win over Sheffield Wednesday in the most recent of them a fortnight ago, in which Hamer and O'Hare both played.

Image source, Clive Eakin - BBC Sport

Coventry City interim boss Rhys Carr had good news and bad news ahead of Saturday's lunchtime home date with second-placed Sheffield United.

USA international Haji Wright is out, after suffering an ankle injury late on in City's 2-2 comeback draw at leaders Sunderland on 9 November - their first game following the sacking of Mark Robins.

But, while the forward's likely length of absence is not clear, the Sky Blues do have captain Ben Sheaf and goalkeeper Oliver Dovin back in contention to play after missing the trip to the Stadium of Light.

"Everyone saw it," Carr told BBC CWR. "It was a bit of a nasty tweak he's got on his ankle. He's with the care of our medical team now. We want him fit as quickly as possible."

"But Ben Sheaf and Oliver Dovin are available for selection. And Jake Bidwell and Jamie Allen have been in training. They've had a longer period of time out so we need to just monitor them a little bit but they're closer to being available.

"Ben Wilson is probably a little further away but I see him in the gym every day. He's working his socks off."

With still no sign of an imminent appointment to succeed Robins - although Frank Lampard remains hot favourite with bookmakers - Carr will be taking charge of his second game.

"It's a new challenge but it's day by day," he added. "I'm just focused on doing the best job that I've been entrusted to do. How long that lasts is a day-by-day approach.

"The focus has to be on the football That's why we're all here. That's why we're paid as employees. We all want to win. Every single person, the staff, the players everybody wants to win."

Rhys Carr was talking to BBC CWR's Clive Eakin

Image source, Getty Images

Former Derby defender Curtis Davies believes Frank Lampard would command the Coventry City players' respect if he becomes the club's new head coach.

Ex-England midfielder Lampard remains the favourite to replace Mark Robins, who was sacked earlier this month.

"I was his captain at Derby but then got injured quite early so I got to see Frank, I guess, from the outside looking in and standing beside him at times," Davies told the BBC Sport's 72+ EFL podcast.

"If he said something to players, usually they'd take it on board because of the level he had played at."

Lampard took Derby to the Championship play-offs in 2019 where they lost to Aston Villa in the final.

Sky Blues owner Doug King is planning a reorganisation of the club's management set-up with a sporting director to be appointed, which Davies believes would suit Lampard.

"I think being a head coach (rather than the manager) would be fine for Frank," he added.

"While he'd want the final say on what players are brought in he wouldn't be offended if they're going out recruiting players for the Championship because you're going to have a director of football, who probably knows more about the Championship than Frank currently does."

After relative success at Derby, Lampard suffered mixed fortunes in two subsequent managerial stints with Chelsea and one at Everton.

"When you carry a name like Frank Lampard you've always got that slight chance (of getting another job) so I don't think this would be his last chance but he wants to be that Championship manager pushing towards the Premier League," Davies added.

"I don't think he ever envisaged his career being in the lower leagues of the EFL so I think depending on how he does (if he gets the job) it's more about his motivation to continue doing it if it doesn't work out."

Image source, BBC Sport

Coventry produced a remarkable comeback after going two goals behind to earn a 2-2 draw at league leaders Sunderland in their first game since Mark Robins was sacked last time out.

The managerless Sky Blues are just one point above the drop zone and face another stern test when they welcome high-flying Sheffield United on Saturday who are joint top and have won four on the bounce.

• Coventry City have lost just one of their last nine home league games against Sheffield United (W6 D2), netting 3+ goals in four of those matches.

• Sheffield United have failed to score in two of their last four league games against Coventry, having found the net in nine of their previous 10 against them. They did win the last such meeting between the sides 3-1 in December 2022, however.

• Coventry City have lost nine home Championship matches in 2024 – they've only lost 10 home league games in four previous calendar years, most recently in 2003.

• Sheffield United have spent 51% of their Championship games in the lead this season, the highest percentage of any side - they’ve also trailed for the lowest percentage (4.4%, just 65 minutes).

• Coventry's Jack Rudoni has made 295 passes that start in the attacking third of the pitch in the Championship this season, with only Luton's Alfie Doughty making more (336).

Image source, Rex Features

Coventry City midfielder Jamie Allen has told BBC CWR he's making good progress towards returning to the squad after two months out of action with a knee ligament injury.

The 29-year-old has missed the past nine Sky Blues games after coming off injured early in the 2-1 home defeat to Swansea on 21 September.

Allen won't publicly set a target for when he might be ready to play again, but he hopes to be in full training soon.

"It's going really well. I'm feeling strong," he said. "I've spent the last two or three weeks out on the grass doing straight line movements and then going into curving in different directions and my knee is feeling good now.

"I can't really put a date on when I'll be back in case something goes wrong but hopefully not too long."

Allen has passed 150 appearances for the Sky Blues after arriving in 2019 but has only started two Championship games this season and played a total of 126 minutes across six matches before his injury.

Image source, Getty Images

Sky Blues summer signing Raphael Borges Rodrigues has made his long-awaited comeback from injury.

The Dutch-born Australia Under-23 international winger joined Coventry from A-League side Macarthur in May but suffered a thigh injury in his first appearance of pre-season against Port Vale.

He was named on the right flank in the Coventry under-21 side, which also featured Fabio Tavares, to face Barnsley's under-21s at the Coventry Building Society Arena on Tuesday afternoon.

Raphael was denied a goal on his return when Barnsley's goalkeeper foiled his stinging drive from distance shortly after the half-hour.

The 21-year-old was substituted with the Sky Blues trailing 2-0 just after the hour mark but the hosts fought back to draw 2-2 with two Joseph McCallum goals.