Coventry City secured promotion under Frank Lampard and will play in the Premier League for the first time since 2001 after a late 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers.
Frank Lampard takes Coventry City back to greatness (Image: Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
Coventry City were promoted to the Premier League after Frank Lampard’s side won a dramatic 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers on Friday night. Struggling Blackburn threatened to spoil the party by taking an unexpected lead midway through the second half, just as they did against Sheffield Wednesday last weekend.
However, defender Bobby Thomas saved the day with an equalizer in the 85th minute. Thomas rose highest from the free-kick and headed home the all-important goal in front of more than 7,000 fans at Ewood Park.
“Super Frankie Lampard” chants rang out from the emotional away end as Coventry ended their 25-year banishment from the top flight. Lampard’s side have looked destined to win promotion for months after tearing away all their rivals in recent weeks to climb to the top of the Championship standings.
And after failing to win on Wednesday, who were already relegated last weekend and forced to put their champagne on ice, Coventry are now officially promoted. The result at Blackburn means third-placed Millwall will no longer be able to catch them, with the Lions, Ipswich Town, Middlesbrough and Southampton all set to be dethroned in second place.
World Cup Legends: The stars of soccer’s biggest tournament in history – buy the special edition now
read more: Cole Palmer confirms stance on transfer to Man United after meeting with Chelsea ownerread more: Chelsea fans unite with Strasbourg supporters in joint protest against owners
Promotion is a milestone achievement for Lampard, who replaced club legend Mark Robins in November 2024 and did a fantastic job last year to lead Coventry to the play-offs.
Despite losing in two games to eventual champions Sunderland, the Sky Blues performed admirably this time around, scoring more goals than any other team in their division and lighting their way to promotion.
An emotional Lampard told Sky Sports after the game: “It’s an unbelievable moment. The way the game went, you were all worried. We knew it was close, but for this club to cross the line in this way after 25 years is incredible.”
“I am deeply moved that we were able to win automatic promotion as a non-parachute team with three games remaining.”
Coventry City sealed the promotion in dramatic fashion (Image: Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
Midfielder Jacques Rudoni said with a big smile on his face: “It’s amazing. I can’t describe it in words. I had a feeling we were going to score. We always do things like this. We could have scored it sooner. But with the fans here, we can’t go home without doing it today.”
Coventry are sure to party all weekend before hosting Portsmouth on Tuesday night. Despite being promoted, the Sky Blues are without a win in three games and although Ipswich lead them by nine points, they will be hoping to win the league title as soon as possible as they have two hands on their hands.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Coventry City return to Premier League
Coventry City are back in the Premier League! And to celebrate, the Coventry Telegraph has produced this fantastic special edition commemorating the achievements of Frank Lampard and his men. Click here to purchase
