Frank Lampard’s Coventry suffered defeat to Sunderland in the previous year’s play-off semi-final, but rebounded to secure the 2025-26 Championship title.
Frank Lampard has been recognized as the League Managers Association (LMA) Manager of the Year after successfully leading Coventry back to the Premier League.
Lampard’s Sky Blues concluded the Championship campaign 11 points ahead, clinching the title and marking their return to the top flight for the first time since the 2000-01 season.
The former England international, who has previously managed Derby, Everton, and served two terms at Chelsea, received the Sir Alex Ferguson award from England manager Thomas Tuchel.
The accolade, named in honor of the former Manchester United manager, is determined by a vote among managers across various leagues, considering both accomplishments and available resources.
Tuchel read a message from Ferguson, who acknowledged Lampard’s Coventry for playing “great football with confidence and belief.”
“I have enjoyed watching you. Best of luck in the Premier League next season,” Ferguson added.
Brentford‘s Keith Andrews, Arsenal‘s Mikel Arteta, Aston Villa‘s Unai Emery, Bournemouth‘s Andoni Iraola, Manchester City‘s Pep Guardiola, Lincoln City’s Michael Skubala, and Bromley’s Andy Woodman were also among the nominees.
Manchester City‘s Andree Jeglertz secured the Women’s Super League award after leading the team to the title.
Arteta, who guided Arsenal to their first Premier League title in 22 years, won the Premier League award, while Lampard also claimed the Championship equivalent.
Skubala, who led Lincoln to the League One title, received the award for the third tier, and Woodham won the League Two award after leading Bromley to their title.
The WSL2 award was presented to Karen Hills, who guided Charlton to the WSL for the first time.
Steve Bruce and Martin O’Neill were inducted into the Hall of Fame, each having managed over 1,000 games.
The award signifies the most significant individual achievement in Lampard’s coaching career.
His Derby side previously lost in the Championship play-off final in 2019, after which he was appointed at his former club Chelsea, where he spent 13 years as a player.
He was dismissed after 18 months in charge in 2021 but later returned as a caretaker manager.
In between, he spent less than a year managing Everton, overseeing a successful escape from relegation before his subsequent dismissal.
This season, his Coventry side emerged as the Championship’s highest-scoring team with 97 goals in 46 games, while also boasting the best defensive record.
Chris Wilder, who received the award while managing Sheffield United in 2019, and Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna, the 2024 recipient, are other recent managers to have won the LMA’s top award while managing outside of the Premier League.
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