Frank Lampard has been appointed the new manager of Coventry City to replace fan favourite Mark Robins.
The former England international has penned a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Sky Blues.
Speaking to club media, Coventry owner Doug King said: “I am delighted that Frank Lampard has agreed to join our club as Head Coach.
“Frank cut his teeth in the Championship and knows what is needed in this League to be successful.
Frank Lampard is the new Coventry manager
PA
“His experiences thereafter at Chelsea and Everton will ensure he brings to our talented squad clear understanding of exactly what is needed to succeed at the very top level that we as a club are striving to reach.”
It is the first job Lampard has landed since his interim stint in charge of Chelsea towards the end of the 2023/24 campaign.
He arrives at a club that are 17th in the Championship and flirting with a relegation battle.
But his first task will be to win over the fans, who are still disgruntled at the decision to sack club legend Robins.
In his second stint with the club, Robins joined in 2017 and led them to two promotions from League Two to see them return to the second-tier of English football.
Lampard arrives with a job to repair his reputation after difficult spells in his recent posts.
He was sacked as Everton manager in January 2023 with the club dangerously close to relegation before Sean Dyche arrived to steer them away.
And a shock appointment as Chelsea interim manager ended with just one win in 11, though he does have experience coaching in the Championship.
Frank Lampard has experience of managing in the Championship
PA
The 46-year-old’s first venture into management saw him take charge at Derby County, where he led them to a Championship play-off final.
Though the Rams lost to Aston Villa at Wembley, Lampard was commended for his ability to bring through young players and play vibrant football.
Coventry owner King had made Lampard his top target to replace Robins, having also spoken to Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy, who is set to land a job in the Premier League imminently.
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Ruud van Nistelrooy had also been in the running for the Coventry job
Reuters
Legendary manager Harry Redknapp, who is Lampard’s uncle, is close to King and also recommended appointing the Chelsea icon.
After sacking Robins, King said: “I cannot have the risk of us getting relegated.
“Nobody thought Birmingham would get relegated – and they did.”