Frank Lampard ‘now ready to quit Coventry’ after loss v Sunderland
Sunderland overcame Frank Lampard’s Coventry City in the play-off semi-finals this week in dramatic fashion.
With the aggregate score tied up at 2-2, Dan Ballard became a hero as his bullet header sent the Black Cats into the final with seconds to spare.
The celebrations around the Stadium of Light were chaotic, with Regis Le Bris’ side now just one match from the Premier League.
However, Lampard was far from pleased with the result, and the former England international is now considering jumping ship.
Lampard keen on Southampton job
Southampton are likely one of the favourites to be promoted from the Championship next season despite their awful top-flight campaign.
The Saints are currently without a manager after they narrowly avoided being the worst team in Premier League history.
Therefore, many coaches are interested in taking the role, including Coventry’s manager Lampard, after the Midlands club failed to earn promotion to the top flight.
| Frank Lampard’s record at Coventry City | |
| Games managed | 33 |
| Wins | 16 |
| Losses | 6 |
| Draws | 11 |
| Win percentage | 48.48 per cent |
According to Graeme Bailey via EFL Analysis (15 May), the former Chelsea manager is “keen” on the vacancy.
He said: “Southampton are very interesting. It’s interesting because I think Frank Lampard’s stock is as high as it has been in a long time. We know he’s quite keen on that job. I think we need to keep an eye on Frank Lampard for that one from what I’m hearing.
“They like him. We revealed Lampard and Southampton a while back now, but he is still someone they have very much got their eyes on.
“I suppose a lot of people queried it when we first raised that prospect, but now, since taking Coventry to the play-offs. They were the better team over the two legs. So now his stock is as high as it’s been since his Derby County days probably. So this is one to keep an eye on.”
Sunderland need to get promoted in the play-offs after Lampard development
Over the last few months, Lampard has proved that he is still a great manager in the second-tier.
Therefore, if he does go to Southampton, it is going to be even harder for clubs to be promoted next season as the Saints will likely improve massively.
On top of this, Leicester City and Ipswich Town will likely be in the top six at a minimum.
If Sunderland do lose to Sheffield United next week, their chances of promotion next season are slim.
Therefore, the club must simply win the final to ensure they are not dismantled in the summer and all their hard work doesn’t go to waste.