Exclusive: David Prutton makes clear Coventry City promotion prediction under Frank Lampard | OneFootball

David Prutton has covered Frank Lampard and his Coventry side in praise ahead of their play-off clash.

Coventry City finished their Championship campaign in fifth place, marking their second play-off venture in three years.

After dismissing Mark Robins in November last year, the Sky Blues were one of the division’s most competitive sides and managed to storm to a top-six finish under Frank Lampard, who has been an instant hit at the Coventry Building Society Arena.

Now they face a play-off semi-final against Sunderland, to determine who earns a place in the world’s richest game at Wembley.

Coupled together with an FA Cup semi-final last year, Coventry are currently enjoying a successful period in the club’s modern history and now have a serious chance of becoming a Premier League outfit for next season.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Sky Sports pundit and former EFL midfielder David Prutton couldn’t praise Lampard and his side enough for their efforts this term, and backs them to be a contender for years to come.

“Ambitious football club” – David Prutton heaps praise on Lampard’s Coventry side

“Coventry this season have been promotion contenders under Frank Lampard,” explained Prutton when speaking exclusively to Football League World. “That'll be what he's been brought in to do.

“From the squad that I've seen, and what he's got out of those players has been great. Matt Grimes has been a really good, solid addition. He’s a wonderful ball player.

“Jack Rudoni is absolutely beaming to be playing under his idol, isn't he? Frank Lampard is loving every minute of it, and Frank is a tremendously ambitious manager. He’s a driven individual at a club that is run by tremendously driven people.

“So the set-up is there, and even though we love talking about a side that did change manager in between these two play-off appearances, it just goes to show that, even though there was a bit of a drop-off under Mark Robins, which suddenly meant him losing his job, consistently across two or three seasons, they've been very, very good.

“Even though it's been a slow burner, it's an ambitious football club and if promotion isn't achieved this season, then they absolutely start next season with the ambition to do that.”

Lampard has been a sensation with the Sky Blues

Arriving in Coventry with doubts swirling around his ability as a manager, Lampard has silenced those who questioned the choice. Stints which ended with him relieved of his duties at Chelsea and Everton had lowered his stock, but that concept has now firmly changed.

Form would suggest that although Sunderland finished higher in the table, Coventry should get the better of the Black Cats across two legs. Losing their last five games straight, Regis Le Bris’ side look to have petered out at the wrong time in the season.

Sunderland haven’t bested the Sky Blues since 2007, so Lampard’s side will be sure to approach the tie quietly confident. However, if Coventry don’t make the final, it isn’t the end of their charge.

Lampard possesses an exciting squad, and it would be no surprise to see them go again next term. Therefore, exciting times may be set to continue at the Coventry Building Society Arena, at what feels like just the start of Lampard’s era with the Sky Blues.