Frank Lampard returns to the Premier League, receiving a prestigious award

Frank Lampard was honored with the Manager of the Season award in the English Championship, due to his profound influence on Coventry City's journey to achieve promotion.

Coventry City, the team that has officially secured a place in the Premier League next season, earned 86 points this season and still have three matches ahead as they continue their pursuit of the Championship title (EFL). Regardless of whether they lift the trophy, Frank Lampard has been duly recognized for his efforts by receiving this esteemed honor at the EFL awards ceremony.

This marks a significant milestone in the English strategist's coaching career, demonstrating his capabilities in one of the world's most demanding leagues.

Upon receiving the award, he stated: “I was deeply moved the night before, because at that moment I realized what we had accomplished. A club I took over 16 months ago, which had fallen to the bottom and then risen again, and football always revolves around people, always revolves around the fans, and I remembered that.

You must acknowledge what Mark Robins has done for the club, owner Doug King, and cherish this moment. I am working with an exceptional group of players. When you join a team, temporarily forget about technical talent, that is certainly important, but when they know how to care for themselves, train well, support each other, and enjoy it together, that is the core value. This is an incredible story and I am very happy to be a part of it.”

For Lampard, this award represents a reaffirmation of himself after leaving his interim manager role at Chelsea in 2023. When many questioned whether he would return to coaching, he chose a challenging test in the EFL to prove his tactical ability and leadership skills outside the spotlight of the 'Big Six'.

The success at Coventry shows that 'The Non-Smoker' can build a cohesive unit from scratch, with a solid defensive foundation and a high-intensity pressing system.

Besides Lampard, two other managers were also honored. Michael Skubala was awarded the Manager of the Season in the English League Two for his impressive work at Lincoln City, helping the team rise strongly and become a well-organized collective.

Meanwhile, Andy Woodman received the Manager of the Season award in the English League Three, after leading Bromley to continue their impressive upward trajectory, following the historic promotion to the Football League, the system of lower-tier leagues in English football.