Frank Lampard set for return to administration as Coventry ‘agree deal’ with ex-Chelsea boss

Frank Lampard is on the brink of a managerial comeback following extensive talks with Coventry City.

The club has been without a permanent boss since owner Doug King’s shock sacking of long-standing gaffer Mark Robins on November 7. Interim boss Rhys Carr has been holding the fort, while King deliberated over Robins’ replacement amid increasing fan discontent.

Lampard has consistently been the top contender and is now on the verge of ending his nearly 18-month managerial hiatus. The 46-year-old has been jobless since departing his temporary role at Chelsea at the close of the 2022/23 season, where he secured just one victory in 11 matches, but is now set to make a Championship return.

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Over the last two days, Lampard and Coventry have been finalising his contract, making his appointment all but certain. The decision was driven by the club owner’s determination to get it over the line ahead of other potential candidates.

After a 2-0 defeat to promotion hopefuls Burnley on Tuesday night, Coventry, currently languishing in 17th place and a mere two points clear of the drop zone, are in desperate need of a fresh start. Lampard could be at the helm as early as Saturday for the Sky Blues’ home game against Cardiff at the CBS Arena.

How the home crowd will receive him remains to be seen, given their recent backlash against King for dismissing the popular Robins, who guided the Sky Blues to the play-off final and FA Cup semi-final in recent seasons, reports the Mirror. The ex-England midfielder, who has Championship experience from his time leading Derby County to the play-off final in 2019, is reportedly benefiting from a personal connection.

It’s understood that King has ties to the Redknapp family, with Harry Redknapp being Lampard’s uncle. Lampard has been in detailed discussions with Coventry for the past 10 days.

However, interim boss Carr, speaking after the defeat at Turf Moor, revealed he hadn’t been updated on any progress regarding Lampard’s appointment. “Similar to Saturday really, and I am sure I will have another conversation after today’s game,” he said.

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“The ‘day by day’ line is the same, so if we end up going into the Cardiff City game then we will prepare again, look at their strengths and their weaknesses and how we can hurt them and defend against them as well. And we’ll approach the game the best way we can.”

Upon arrival, Lampard is expected to bring in his own coaching team, and Carr acknowledges he may be about to lose his position.

“Yeah, whatever is the right decision for Coventry City is the right thing to do,” he stated. “I said the other week that it’s a club where I have only been for a short period of time and I really care about it, I really do.”

“It’s a fantastic club with some fantastic people, the staff are excellent and the players are a really, really good group. And whatever the right decision is then I am just happy for the football club.”