Coventry City manager Frank Lampard has been honoured with the League Managers Association's (LMA) top award, receiving the Sir Alex Ferguson Trophy for overall manager of the year. The former England international also secured the Championship divisional award after leading the Sky Blues to a commanding title triumph and promotion back to the Premier League for the first time since 2001.
The annual LMA awards ceremony took place in London, where Lampard's remarkable achievements were recognised. However, the event was marked by the absence of Sir Alex Ferguson, who is recovering after receiving medical treatment earlier this month at Manchester United's match against Liverpool. In his stead, England manager Thomas Tuchel stepped in to present the trophy and read a heartfelt letter from the legendary Manchester United boss.
Sir Alex Ferguson's message to Lampard
Tuchel addressed the audience, saying: "It is of course not the same without Sir Alex himself, and we wish him all the best and a speedy recovery so that he is hopefully with us next year on stage again. Until then, I have the privilege to read this letter to you, Frank."
The letter from Ferguson read: "Dear Frank, many congratulations on being named LMA manager of the year. You should be very proud of what you and your team have accomplished. Your personality as a manager and a leader is so clearly defined in how your team has played great football this season – with confidence and self-belief, and I have enjoyed watching you. I know from speaking with you that you have great humility and that important quality of a curious mind for learning. I'm sure winning this award will mean a great deal to you, Frank, and I wish you the best of luck in the Premier League next season."
Other award winners
Mikel Arteta, who was among the contenders for the Sir Alex Ferguson Trophy, interrupted Arsenal's preparations for the Champions League final to collect the Premier League manager of the year award alongside his staff. The Spaniard was shortlisted alongside Keith Andrews, Michael Carrick, Pep Guardiola, Andoni Iraola, and Regis Le Bris.
In the Women's Super League, Manchester City's Andree Jeglertz was named manager of the year, while Charlton's Karen Hills took the WSL 2 manager of the year award. Lincoln City's Michael Skubala and Bromley's Andy Woodman received the League One and League Two accolades, respectively.
