Bristol City's Championship rivals hire former Chelsea manager after controversial sacking

Coventry City have hired former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard as their new manager after controversially sacking Mark Robins.

The Sky Blues divided supporters when they controversially decided to part ways with the 54-year-old after almost eight years in charge following their 2-1 home defeat to Derby County in the penultimate game before the November international break, despite the fact Robins guided them to the FA Cup semi-final last season and a play-off final the season before.

Coventry currently sit 17th in the Championship table, only two points above Hull City in the relegation zone, having only managed to win four of their opening 17 league matches this term.

Lampard has been out of work since he took charge of Chelsea on a temporary basis at the end of the 2022/23 season when the Blues opted to sack Graham Potter after just a matter of months at Stamford Bridge.

His last permanent job saw him guide Everton to Premier League safety following a disastrous start to the season under Rafa Benitez, but Lampard himself wasn't able to last a year at Goodison Park, receiving his marching orders as the Toffees faced another relegation battle.

The former England international’s only other spell in the Championship came back in the 2018/19 season when he took charge of Derby County and managed to lead them to the playoff final where they were ultimately beaten by Aston Villa at Wembley.

Discussing the decision to appoint Lampard, Sky Blues owner Doug King said: "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.”

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Several players have made the move from Bristol City to the Sky Blues in the past and former Robins defender Jay Dasilva will be part of the playing squad Lampard will take charge of after the international break.

The 46-year-old’s first game in charge of the Sky Blues will see them welcome relegation threatened Cardiff City to the CBS Arena on Saturday, with a trip to The Den to face high-flying Millwall following a week later.

City won’t face Lampard’s side again until January 18 having already drawn 1-1 with Coventry at Ashton Gate in the Championship earlier this season and having lost 1-0 to Robins’ side in the first round of the Carabao Cup.