Frank Lampard's next move is obvious after securing historic Coventry promotion

Frank Lampard's next move is obvious after securing historic Coventry promotionFrank Lampard has been linked with Crystal Palace, Fulham and Chelsea after guiding Coventry to the Premier League and talks are planned with Sky Blues owner Doug KingCommentsSportopinionFelix Keith Senior Sports Reporter19:43, 30 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesFrank Lampard's managerial stock is as high as it's ever been(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images) The sky blue confetti has only just been cleared away and the rumours over Frank Lampard's future have already started. Crystal Palace? Fulham? Another return to Chelsea? ‌ Lampard's stock as a manager has shot up after he led Coventry City to the Championship title and he is deserving of the plaudits. The Chelsea legend has been the understated leader of the Sky Blues' ascent back to the Premier League for the first time in 25 years. ‌ Having arrived to some scepticism to replace the much-loved Mark Robins at Coventry, he has won over the fanbase through consistent improvement. They worthy champions. But already, before their final game of the season against Watford on Saturday, thoughts are turning to what happens next. ‌ "I'm Coventry manager, I'm enjoying my moment of us being promoted and winning the title, and that's it," Lampard said when he was inevitably asked about the Chelsea job following the sacking of Liam Rosenior. JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page READ MORE: Frank Lampard's Coventry beat Premier League rivals to first signing after promotionREAD MORE: Crystal Palace ponder Frank Lampard swoop as Eagles chiefs learn compensation feeUnfortunately, that enjoyment won't last long. Sooner rather than later, Lampard's thoughts will turn to how he can keep Coventry in the Premier League. Having made the difficult climb to the top, he wants to make sure he will have the resources to ensure the pattern doesn't repeat itself, starting with a permanent transfer for goalkeeper Carl Rushworth. ‌ Lampard only has just over 12 months remaining on his current contract. Coventry owner Doug King wants him to agree to fresh terms. But the 47-year-old will only do so if he is given assurances over transfer plans. "We have to be ambitious. I know what the Premier League is and it's going to be a challenge," Lampard stressed recently. Everything he has said suggests Lampard is ready for the fight next season. And it will be an almighty fight: last season, the three relegated teams were Southampton, Ipswich and Leicester - the three sides who had come up from the Championship the previous campaign - while Burnley are continuing their perpetual motion between the two divisions by going down once more this season. View 3 ImagesFrank Lampard's young family are still based in London(Image: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) ‌ The odds will be stacked against Coventry next season. But Lampard should absolutely stay, give it a go and try to replicate the success of Sunderland - the team who beat his side in the play-offs on their way to promotion last season - despite the allure of a move back to London, where he still lives with his young family. He knows just how fickle the management game is, having struggled massively in his previous two roles at Everton and Chelsea. The timing and the opportunity has to be right. And a move to Fulham - the rivals of his beloved Chelsea - doesn't sound like it is right at all. View 3 ImagesDoug King is desperate to keep Frank Lampard for next season(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images) ‌ Crystal Palace would be a better fit, but the size of the job facing whoever replaces Oliver Glasner this summer should not be underestimated, given the stretched nature of their squad and another transfer window in which their star players could be lured elsewhere. "You can see how emotionally connected [Lampard] is with the city, you can see what it meant to him to get promotion and then the title and I think he's found a happy place at the moment," King told BBC CWR recently. He would say that, obviously, given he desperately wants to keep his manager. But Lampard shouldn't take that connection, and the good times, for granted. Those trips up and down the motorway have been worth it. Now he should stick to his guns and stay put. 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