Frank Lampard has described Coventry City's promotion to the Premier League as a "special and unique" achievement, marking the club's return to the top flight after a 25-year absence.
The Sky Blues secured automatic promotion with three games remaining in the Championship season following a 1-1 draw against Blackburn Rovers. Lampard, who took over as manager in November 2024, emphasized the significance of the accomplishment for a club without parachute payments.
"To achieve promotion automatically as a non-parachute payment team with three games to spare... these players have accomplished something truly special and unique," Lampard told Sky Sports. "Doing this after 25 years away... wow."
The former Chelsea and England midfielder highlighted the team's resilience after last season's playoff disappointment against Sunderland, noting how the squad had transformed their ambitions during the summer.
Lampard, who called this achievement "right up there" with his playing career successes, expressed deep affection for the club he joined just over a year ago.
"We came into a bit of an unknown 15 or so months ago when we arrived in a people carrier," he reflected. "We've fallen in love with this club, and I'm very proud to be the manager."
With promotion secured, Lampard now has his sights set on winning the Championship title. Coventry currently leads second-place Ipswich by 11 points, though Ipswich has two games in hand.
"The players can have a couple of beers on the way home, but they've got to get the job done now," Lampard stated. "We want to sustain this momentum and finish the season strongly."
The manager acknowledged allowing celebrations after last weekend's draw against Sheffield Wednesday virtually guaranteed promotion, but noted he had "the hump" earlier this week when training intensity dipped.
Lampard becomes the first manager to lead Coventry to top-flight promotion since Jimmy Hill accomplished the feat in 1967, marking a historic moment for the Midlands club and its supporters.