Coventry City Offer Latest New Manager Appointment With Imminent Decision

Coventry City are closing in on appointing a new manager, with Frank Lampard described as the clear front-runner to replace Mark Robins in the hotseat.

Robins was controversially axed by Sky Blues owner Doug King after seven-and-a-half years at the club, having guided them back to the Championship from the doldrums of League Two.

Coventry were 17th in the Championship at the time of the decision, level on points with Plymouth Argyle in 22nd but only seven points off the play-off spots.

Doug King explained, via Coventry Live, that a breakdown in the relationship between the ex-Coventry boss and a member of his coaching staff, Adi Viveash, played a role in the decision.

He clarified that Robins’ desire to make changes behind the scenes to the coaching team proved difficult to manage, and that he was struggling to bring in a fresh face for the role vacated by Viveash.

Tom Collomosse has since revealed that a decision is imminent, with Frank Lampard almost certain to take charge as the front-runner.

Frank Lampard set to take charge of Coventry City

The Telegraph were reporting that both Lampard and Ruud van Nistelrooy are expected to be among “up to five candidates” that the club will speak to over the club’s vacant spot in the dug out over the last week.

King also added that he would like to have Robins’ successor in place “within ten days” but that, if an appointment is not made in that time, there shouldn’t be any panic.

The update explained how King has stated that over 80 managers have expressed an interest in taking the vacancy, with Lampard among those also linked with the job at that time.

It seems as though that figure of 80 has become much smaller since, with the latest from The Telegraph stating that they are two of up to five managers who are set for talks.

NEW: Coventry edging closer towards appointing a new manager. Still details to be sorted and not done yet but it's creeping in the right direction. Lampard the clear front runner at this stage #pusb

— Tom Collomosse (@TomCollomosse) November 27, 2024

The latest comes via the Daily Mail’s sports journalist, Tom Collomosse, who has since revealed a potential stumbling block between Coventry and the appointment of their potential new manager last night.

Collomosse reported that while Lampard is a prominent target, he wants to overhaul the backroom staff and bring in his own coaches, which would come at significant cost. That’s before factoring in a settlement with Robins as well.

However, that appears to be in order, with Lampard now set to take over for the Sky Blues, per Collomosse’s latest update:

Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider is reporting that Lampard’s move to Coventry is a done deal, and that the appointment could be announced some time today.

An attractive job for Frank Lampard at Coventry

Despite their league position, Coventry have an exceptional squad and arguably one that’s worthy of competing for promotion. Many managers will now that, but also will be aware that they have the unenviable task of replacing the incredibly popular Robins.

Even with this problem in mind, it’s definitely a job that’s worth taking, with many of their players clearly able to thrive at this level. The Sky Blues currently sit 17th in the Championship table following their 2-0 defeat to Burnley.

However, there is plenty of the season left to turn things around and every chance that Lampard can get them firing again and up towards the play-offs.

Despite the pressures and expectations that will come with it, it’s clearly an attractive job for any of the candidates involved. Lampard is still in the relative infancy of his managerial career thus far, but has the experience as a player to command authority in their dressing room.