Frank Lampard has described Coventry City's promotion to the Premier League after a 25-year absence as an 'incredible moment' following a nervy 1-1 draw at Blackburn Rovers. The Sky Blues secured their return to the top flight with a point at Ewood Park, ending a turbulent period that saw the club drop to League Two in 2017-18 and face financial turmoil.
Lampard, who took over from Mark Robins, praised Bobby Thomas's equalising goal as the key moment. Thomas nodded in from Victor Torp's free-kick late on, after Ryoya Morishita had put Blackburn ahead. 'Because of how the game had gone, you were worried,' said Lampard. 'We knew we were very nearly there, but to get it over the line like this for this club after 25 years, wow.'
The victory was met with jubilant scenes from 7,000 Coventry fans, many of whom were not alive the last time the club played in the Premier League. Lampard lauded his players for their 'overachieving' performance, noting the club's lack of parachute payments. 'To do this with this club in the circumstances that we've done it, for me, overachieving,' he added.
Lampard also credited predecessor Mark Robins for laying the foundation, while acknowledging his own role in rebuilding the squad. The manager highlighted the contributions of Haji Wright, Brandon Thomas-Asante, and Victor Torp, who were introduced from the bench. 'The boys, me, Chris and Joe, drove up 15 months ago in a people carrier, and we went into a bit of an unknown. We've fallen in love with the players and the fan-base,' Lampard reflected.
Midfielder Jack Rudoni expressed his elation: 'I can't describe it. We could have got it done quicker. But with the fans here we couldn't leave without doing it today.' The celebrations are set to continue until at least Tuesday's home game against Portsmouth.
