Frank Lampard hails ‘special’ Coventry after promotion to Premier League
Coventry have returned to the Premier League after 25 years
Frank Lampard did not dismiss the scale of Coventry’s achievement after sealing a return to the Premier League for the first time in 25 years.
A 1-1 draw away at Blackburn was enough to confirm promotion back to the top floght, with Coventry scoring late on to secure the point they needed at Ewood Park.
“Incredible moment,” Lampard said.
“We weren’t at our fluid best but the quality of the ball in and the power of the header…
“We had to see it out and we didn’t know whether to attack.
“This is what it’s about. Coming here and getting a point at this stage isn’t easy.”
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Promotion sealed after late equaliser
Coventry went into the game knowing a draw would be enough, but looked to be falling short when Ryoya Morishita put Blackburn ahead.
The visitors pushed forward late on and found their goal in the 84th minute, with Bobby Thomas rising to head home from a free-kick.
The equaliser sparked celebrations among more than 7,000 travelling supporters, which only grew at the final whistle as promotion was confirmed.
“For doing this after 25 years… Wow. Wow,” Lampard added.
Coventry return to Premier League
Coventry were part of the original Premier League in 1992-93 and spent nine seasons in the top flight before relegation in 2000-01.
Their journey back has not been straightforward. The club dropped as far as League Two in 2017 before beginning a steady climb back up the divisions.
After missing out in the play-off final against Luton in 2023, this season has seen them go one better by securing automatic promotion with games to spare.
“This is a serious, serious football club,” Lampard said. I grew up with them as a top flight club but I didn’t realise.
“Mark Robins had done an incredible job. To go and get promotion automatically as a non-parachute team with three games to go…
“These boys have managed to achieve something special and unique.”
Lampard returns to top flight
Promotion also marks a return to the Premier League for Lampard himself.
The former Chelsea midfielder won three league titles during his playing career and has previously managed both the Blues and Everton.
He last coached in the top flight during a short spell as Chelsea’s interim manager at the end of the 2022-23 season.
Coventry will now turn their attention to finishing the campaign strongly, with the Championship title still to be decided, but their place back among England’s elite finally secured.