Image source: Getty ImagesByNick MashiterFootball reporter1 Hour ago180 CommentsByNizaar KinsellaFootball reporterFrank Lampard, Coventry City and the Premier League are back. Coventry’s focus is now on winning the Championship title after Friday’s 1-1 draw with Blackburn. Lampard’s reputation suffered after a 12-month battle with Everton, and a short caretaker stint at Chelsea, where the club was under a transfer ban. He also won just one game in 11 matches. Lampard’s critics have been quieted by his success at Chelsea and Everton. What does this mean for Lampard’s career? During his caretaker tenure at Chelsea, Lampard spoke openly about his decision to choose his next job. It looks like he made the right choice. How Coventry returned to the Premier League after 25 years13 Hours agoCoventry promotion unique and special – Lampard11 Hours agoCoventry draw with Blackburn to win promotions to Premier LeagueEarly Arrival and Squad BreakfastsCoventry was at a low point when Lampard arrived. Mark Robins led them from League Two into the Premier League in 2023, losing the play-off final on penalties to Luton. Robins’ reign included an FA Cup semifinal, which they lost to Manchester United on penalties. But Lampard needed a way to re-energize the club. In November 2024, he told the team and staff at Ryton that they were better than their table indicated. He took over the club when they were 17th, beating John Eustace for the job. The season ended in a dramatic play-off semifinal defeat by Sunderland. Lampard has influenced players to join CBS Arena, even though they had other options. They wanted to work with the former England midfielder, who has 106 caps. Coventry kept their best players by rejecting Sheffield United’s bids to sign Bobby Thomas, while Milan van Ewijk chose to stay despite Wolfsburg’s interest. The Blades made multiple offers for Thomas, but Lampard made clear that he wanted him to stay and formed a strong relationship. Lampard’s humbleness and knowledge surprised some players when he joined the squad, given his decorated career. Lampard usually arrives at Coventry’s Sky Blue Lodge training grounds around 7.30am. He uses the gym before eating breakfast with the team. He will allow the players to talk. The transition from Robins and Lampard was fluid, as the squad’s average age began to decrease. Lampard is more than just a coach. The fact that he has been able to top the table with the same team shows his ability to recover. It has allowed him, for the very first time, to feel like a boss, and not a player, when he speaks with staff. Some Coventry fans feel that Lampard was needed by the club and vice versa. This is a statement that is hard to dispute given the outcome. Jack Rudoni, who joined Coventry for PS5m from Huddersfield five months before Lampard arrived, has thrived under Lampard. “People only see him as the gaffer, because they don’t really know him. But he’s much more than that,” he told BBC Sport. “He is a good man and has a great rapport with everyone. “You can talk to him about anything, and he’ll give you advice on football or not. There is no one better to learn from. He has been brilliant on and off the field. “We have a great relationship and we communicate often. He helps me with small things, like timing runs, where to go, and even shooting techniques. “He has been brilliant. It’s great to be able to guide me and give tips. I’m happy that it worked out on the field, which then repays him for working with me. “Now Lampard will focus on building a Coventry team that is capable to compete in the Premier League. This will ensure the Sky Blues return to the top tier for the first time since the mid-1990s is not short lived. Image source, Getty ImagesRelated topicsCoventry CityChampionshipFootball