Coventry City: Harry Redknapp's involvement in Frank Lampard decision revealed | OneFootball

Coventry City are nearing the appointment of Frank Lampard as Coventry manager

Harry Redknapp’s role in Frank Lampard’s move to Coventry City has been revealed.

According to Give Me Sport, the former Tottenham Hotspur manager recommended the 46-year-old to the Sky Blues owner Doug King.

It is believed that King and Redknapp share a close relationship, with Lampard being his nephew.

It has been reported by The Telegraph that Lampard is closing in on an arrival at the CBS Arena, with the Championship side looking for a replacement to Mark Robins.

The former midfielder has been out of work since his brief stint back in charge at Chelsea on an interim basis, which ended with the conclusion of the 2022/23 campaign.

Harry Redknapp’s role in Frank Lampard appointment

Redknapp has reportedly played a key role in the impending appointment of Lampard at Coventry, offering a recommendation of his services to King as he looks to replace Robins.

It is hoped that an official announcement of his arrival can be made on Wednesday evening, meaning he should be able to oversee his first game in charge this weekend.

Coventry will be aiming to turn around a disappointing start to the campaign, with their sights set on a top six finish.

Robins was dismissed after a 2-1 loss to Derby County — coincidentally Lampard’s former club — earlier this month.

This ended a seven year stint back at the club, with the 54-year-old cementing himself as a fan favourite during that time.

He oversaw two promotions, as well as a run to the Championship play-off final and another trip to Wembley earlier this year for an FA Cup semi-final clash with Manchester United, losing both matches in the capital on penalties.

Lampard’s previous coaching experience at this level comes from a one-year stint with the Rams, in which he oversaw their run to the play-off final, which they also lost.

It is expected that former Millwall boss Joe Edwards will form part of his backroom staff, according to Alan Nixon.

Coventry City’s recent form

Since Robins’ dismissal, Coventry have played three and failed to win on any occasion.

The Sky Blues have slipped to 17th in the Championship table, having earned two points from a possible nine in this period.

Draws against promotion contenders Sunderland and Sheffield United was followed by a 2-0 loss to Burnley at Turf Moor on Tuesday night.

If Lampard is appointed in time, then his first fixture in charge is likely to come this weekend against Cardiff City on 30 November in a 3pm kick-off.

Redknapp connection will raise eyebrows at Coventry

King’s decision-making should not be determined by a friendship with Redknapp, particularly when it comes to who should be the team’s manager.

Lampard’s CV isn’t the most spectacular, with stints at Chelsea and Everton both ending in total disaster.

While there is reason to think he can compete at a Championship level given how he did at Derby, that was still five years ago by now.

This appointment has potential to work out well, but there is also reason to be sceptical, and comparisons to Wayne Rooney’s Birmingham City stint could easily be made off the back of this development.