‘So engaged’ – Coventry star reveals what it’s really like to work under Frank Lampard

03/27/2025 09:05 AM

Frank Lampard is in the midst of a career-defining season.

The Chelsea great had slipped down the list of hot properties when his brutal tenure as Everton boss came to an end in January 2023.

With the Toffees sat second from bottom of the table having registered just 15 points from 20 matches, the axe was brutally wielded on the 46-year-old.

Lampard never lost his hunger to succeed in management and his patience was rewarded in November when he was handed the reins at Championship strugglers Coventry.

Fans were tentative about his appointment following the exit of much-beloved boss Mark Robins, but few could have predicted what followed.

The Sky Blues were 17th in the Championship, 10 points from the play-off spots and only two points above the relegation zone when Lampard took charge but a run of 13 wins in 23 games has propelled them into the promotion shake-up.

Lampard has overseen Coventry's best run of form since 1970 and they sit fifth in the Championship with eight games to go.

Up next for the Midlands outfit is a trip to fellow promotion chasers Sheffield United on Friday night – live on talkSPORT 2 – and a win at Brammall Lane would further cement Coventry's play-off credentials

Lampard has been front and centre in Coventry's revival and January signing Matt Grimes gave a glowing tribute to the legendary midfielder.

"As a footballer, you want to learn your trade from the very best and I don't think there's many better to learn from than the gaffer," Grimes told talkSPORT.

"I've only been here a short period of time but what I can say is since I've been here he's been an absolute pleasure to work with.

"With the level of detail every day on the training pitch you're so engaged because you want to learn from top players and top managers like him."

And it's not just Lampard that has left Grimes impressed.

"I've been blown away to be honest since playing here," he said of the club's supporters. "I knew it was always a tough place to come and play but since being here you realise the size of the club and the fanbase as well.”

Coventry's path since suffering top-flight relegation in 2001 has seen them battle through all three tiers of the English Football League.

Their Premier League hiatus almost came to an end in 2023 but they fell to a defeat in their Championship play-off final against Luton Town.

But Lampard has restored belief in the players and the supporters and with five wins from their last six away games, Coventry travel to Sheffield United full of confidence.

"We've been on a great run but the Championship is so unpredictable but we just need to keep ticking the games off," Grimes added.

"There's eight to go. We need to keep doing what we have been doing."

Asked whether he keeps one eye on other teams’ results at this stage of the season, Grimes said: "I think that is natural. I think it's a benefit playing first.

“Bristol City played first before the international break and managed to jump above us but we reacted well and beat Sunderland 3-0.

"There's a little bit of 'What are they up to?' But ultimately you have to look after yourselves.

"It's not going to hinge on one game, it's about the next eight games and how consistent you can stay.

“There will be so many twists and turns between now and the end.”