Frank Lampard is on the verge of being appointed as Coventry City’s new manager, with advanced talks underway between the former England midfielder and the Championship club.

Lampard, 46, has impressed Coventry owner Doug King during discussions last week, and negotiations have gathered pace over the last 24 hours. If finalised, Lampard will sign a two-and-a-half-year deal to replace Mark Robins, who was controversially dismissed earlier this month after seven years at the helm.

Lampard is expected to bring his trusted coaching staff to Coventry, including Joe Edwards and Chris Jones, who worked alongside him during his stints at Chelsea and Everton. This appointment would mark Lampard’s fourth permanent managerial role following spells at Derby County, Chelsea, and Everton. Most recently, Lampard served as Chelsea’s interim manager at the end of the 2022-23 season.

The decision to part ways with Mark Robins caused shockwaves among Coventry supporters. Robins had been one of the longest-serving managers in English football, having guided the Sky Blues through a period of stability and growth. Under his leadership, Coventry achieved remarkable milestones, including reaching the Championship play-off final in 2022-23, where they narrowly lost to Luton Town.

However, a poor start to the current season left Coventry in 17th place, just above the relegation zone on goal difference. Owner Doug King defended the decision to dismiss Robins, citing the need to safeguard the club’s future and ensure progress toward a long-term goal of returning to the Premier League after 24 years.

In the matchday programme on Saturday, King wrote of the importance of avoiding relegation trouble, emphasising that he could not risk “squandering the launchpad” created during Robins’ tenure.

Since Robins’ departure, Coventry have taken just two points from three matches under interim coach Rhys Carr. Tuesday night’s 2-0 defeat at Burnley left the Sky Blues still in 17th place. Speaking after the game, Carr admitted he was managing “day to day” while awaiting clarity on the club’s managerial situation.

Coventry’s players are set to return to training on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s home match against Cardiff City, a fixture that could see Lampard take charge if a deal is finalised in time.

Lampard’s managerial career has been one of highs and lows. He began his journey at Derby County in 2018, where he guided the Rams to the Championship play-off final in his debut season. This success earned him a move to Chelsea, where he oversaw the development of young talents such as Mason Mount and Reece James. Despite a promising start, he was sacked midway through his second season at Stamford Bridge after a poor run of results.

Lampard’s next role at Everton proved challenging. He initially steered the club to Premier League safety during the 2021-22 campaign but struggled the following season and was dismissed in January 2023. His brief return to Chelsea as interim manager later that year ended in disappointment as the team failed to reignite their form.

Lampard’s potential appointment at Coventry represents an intriguing opportunity for both parties. For Lampard, it’s a chance to rebuild his managerial reputation in the Championship, a division he knows well from his Derby days. For Coventry, Lampard brings a profile that could energise the fanbase and attract attention to the club’s ambitions of Premier League promotion.

Lampard has reportedly struck a chord with King, who is said to value the former England star’s leadership qualities and commitment to the job. With a squad that boasts talent but has underperformed this season, Lampard’s task will be to instil belief and reignite Coventry’s campaign.

Coventry reportedly considered several other candidates before focusing on Lampard. Wycombe Wanderers coach Matt Bloomfield was among the frontrunners, while former Manchester United interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy was also linked with the vacancy. However, Van Nistelrooy is thought to prefer opportunities at Leicester City or Hamburg, both of which have managerial openings.

Lampard was also on Burnley’s radar earlier this year following Vincent Kompany’s move to Bayern Munich, but the Clarets ultimately opted for Scott Parker.

If Lampard is confirmed as Coventry’s new manager, his immediate task will be to stabilise the club and steer them away from the relegation zone. With Cardiff City visiting on Saturday, he could make his debut in front of a home crowd eager for a fresh start.

For Coventry’s owners, the decision to part ways with Robins will be scrutinised even more closely under Lampard’s stewardship. Expectations will be high, but so too will be the optimism that a fresh approach can spark a revival in fortunes.