Frank Lampard named new head coach of Coventry

Former Chelsea and England midfielder Frank Lampard has been named the new head coach of Coventry City, having signed a two-and-a-half year contract with the club.

The 46-year-old takes over with the club currently 17th in the Championship and replaces Mark Robins, who was sacked three weeks ago.

Robins had previously been the second-longest serving manager in the EFL, having joined the club in March 2017 and led them to two promotions, the Championship play-off final and an FA Cup semi-final before leaving.

For Lampard though, this will be his fifth job in management after spells with Derby County, Everton and two stints at Chelsea. His first match in charge will be against Cardiff at the Coventry Building Society Arena on Saturday.

While he took Derby to the Championship play-off final in 2019, Lampard managed a win percentage of just 11.11% in his most recent stint at Chelsea (W1 D2 L8), which is the worst of any manager at the club to have taken more than one game. His 0.56 points per game average, meanwhile, was the third-lowest in Premier League history for a Chelsea manager.

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Frank Lampard as Head Coach.

— Coventry City (@Coventry_City) November 28, 2024

In his previous role, Lampard did manage to keep Everton in the Premier League while in charge for just under a full calendar year.

He accrued an average of just one point per game, winning only 12 of his 44 matches (D8 L24) while at the club. His side also registered the second-worst expected goals against in the Premier League (61.5) during his time at Goodison Park.

His job with the Sky Blues will be his first return to the dugout since leaving Chelsea for a second time in June 2023. Coventry owner Doug King was pleased that his club had managed to secure the services of Lampard.

“I am delighted that Frank Lampard has agreed to join our club as head coach," said King.

"Frank cut his teeth in the Championship and knows what is needed in this league to be successful.

“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.”