Frank Lampard Returns to Management After 18 Months as Coventry City Appoint Him as Mark Robins’ Replacement

Chelsea legend Frank Lampard is set to embark on a new managerial journey. After stints with Derby County, Chelsea and Everton, the 46-year-old will take the reins at Coventry City, replacing Mark Robins at the helm.

Frank Lampard has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal as Coventry City’s new head coach and will be joined by familiar faces Joe Edwards and Chris Jones, who have worked alongside him in the past. Speaking on the appointment, Coventry City owner and executive chairman Doug King expressed his excitement: “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. 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.” 

Lampard steps into a role previously held by the legendary Mark Robins, a figure who transformed Coventry City during his tenure. Robins, initially in charge from 2012-13, returned in 2017 when the Sky Blues were stuck in League One. Under his guidance, Coventry climbed back into the Championship with back-to-back promotions. Once there, he didn’t just help the Sky Blues survive—he turned them into contenders. Coventry came heartbreakingly close to a Premier League return in 2023, losing the promotion play-off final to Luton Town. A year later, Robins led Coventry to the FA Cup semifinals at Wembley, where they valiantly took Manchester United to penalties before bowing out. The Robins era was nothing short of remarkable. But the 2024/25 season’s rocky start led to an unexpected parting of ways. 

With Coventry currently 17th in the Championship and only two points above the relegation zone, the pressure is on Lampard to steady the ship. After disappointing spells with Chelsea and Everton, this opportunity could be Lampard’s shot at redemption. Sky Sports' EFL editor Simeon Gholam also holds the same belief. During an interview, he said, “When Coventry City got rid of Mark Robins - one of the greatest managers in their history - not many would have predicted Frank Lampard to be next in the door at the CBS Arena. Frankly - excuse the pun - it didn't seem likely that Lampard would be getting another chance in this country for a while.” Out of work since his interim stint with Chelsea in 2023, the 46-year-old has much to prove. So, will Lampard rise to the challenge and capture the hearts of the Coventry faithful, or will his time at the Sky Blues mirror the struggles of his recent past?