Frank Lampard took a big step towards restoring his reputation as a football manager by leading Coventry City into the Championship play-offs with a 2-0 victory over Middlesbrough on the final day of the season. Coventry, who were 17th when Lampard took over from Mark Robins, finished fifth with 69 points, and will now play Sunderland – fourth with 76 points – in the play-off semi-finals.
The other semi-final will see Sheffield United – third with 90 points – take on Bristol City, who took sixth spot with 68 points. The Indian-owned Blackburn Rovers, West Bromwich Albion (WBA) and Middlesbrough were among the clubs to just miss out on a play-off spot.
Elsewhere, Leeds United clinched the title after goals from Wilfried Gnonto and Manor Solomon, in injury time, sealed a come-from-behind 2-1 victory against relegated Plymouth. Burnley finished level on 100 points with Leeds and were also automatically promoted, but missed out on the title because of inferior goal difference (+53 to Leeds’ +65).
Luton Town’s freefall continued with a 5-3 defeat at WBA confirming a second successive relegation. Cardiff City, also once of the English Premier League (EPL) were the other side to go down to League 1.
Lampard’s Coventry will face a Sunderland team that ended the season with five straight losses. “We have to expect the best version of Sunderland,” he said, urging caution. “They are there because they were so good in the first half of the season.
“It’s great for the club, from where we’ve come from. You felt the build-up though the winning run. It’s going to be a great challenge, it’s been a long week, I’m pleased to take a breath after that.”