Coventry City

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We asked for your views on Frank Lampard signing a new deal to remain as Coventry boss until 2029.

Here are some of your comments:

Michael: I have been a Sky Blue for 60 years. I saw them go up under Jimmy Hill, standing in front of the children's barrier at the Kop End. Robins and Vavish got the ball rolling for the beleaguered club and Lampard finished it off by getting promoted. Lampard is one of the best coaches around. We are lucky to have him. I remember Jimmy Hill asking for backing on achieving promotion to Div 1 - he never got it and went to work on TV. I think Doug King is backing Lampard and that is why he is staying.

Marwan: Definitely he was the right man. And I believe that he can make history with the Sky Blues in the coming seasons. I can be sure that they are going to play in the Champions League soon. He and Doug King together with the great team members have the harmony and chemistry to achieve their (and our) goals.

Pat: Fixtures out! Lampard signs! New strip! Can't wait. It's starting to feel real, even with a slight bit of apprehension!

Coventry City are set to make Switzerland and Eintracht Frankfurt defender Aurele Amenda, 22, their first signing following their Premier League return. (Talksport), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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Coventry City have launched their 2026-27 home kit and fans have been reacting on BBC Radio CWR.

Supporter Ricky is happy to be back in the stripes from 1987 and disputes the concerns that the colour isn't sky blue enough, while another fan Adam says they'll be waiting until the shirt is on sale at the end of the season.

Click play below to get the full reaction or listen on BBC Sounds here

Image source, Coventry City

Coventry City have launched their home kit for the club's first Premier League season in 25 years.

The new strip is inspired by the heroic efforts of 1987, when the Sky Blues lifted the FA Cup at Wembley.

The club explained: "A deeper Sky Blue base pays tribute to the shirt worn on that historic day at Wembley, honouring the heritage that still runs through this football club.

"Across the front, bold striped detailing features a subtle four-tone sky blue jacquard pattern, inspired by the scenes that filled Coventry city centre when the Cup came home. Fine navy pinstripes running through each stripe reference the original 1987 design, while navy accents on the collar and the signature Hummel chevrons complete the look. The stripe pattern gradually fades toward the back, creating a clean finish built for names and numbers."

The kit launch forms part of an immense challenge for the club in getting ready for the Premier League. Below you can listen to Coventry's chief business officer Nicola Ibbetson discuss ticket changes, retail and the stadium.

Rob Gurney
BBC CWR

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This is the news Sky Blues fans have been waiting all summer long for. Since the We Are Back celebration at the city's War Memorial Park when thousands chanted "sign the contract" at a partying Frank Lampard.

When he was appointed in November 2024 on a two-and-a-half year deal, owner/chairman Doug King's throwaway line was something like "that's as long as most of them get, isn't it?"

The pair of them can't have imagined it'd have gone this well.

From 17th to Championship play-offs, agonising semi-final defeat, and then the most spectacular of resets; winning the EFL title with 95 points, 11 clear of their nearest rivals, scoring 97 goals and winning 28 matches. Lampard has been great for Coventry City, but equally, Coventry City have been great for Frank Lampard. After his experiences at Everton, and particularly Chelsea second time around, he needed somewhere to rebuild his bruised reputation, and he has delivered on that exceptionally.

Both Crystal Palace and Fulham - established Premier League clubs - were keen to spirit him back to London earlier this summer, but this new three year deal removes that possibility, at least in the short term. His special connection with the players, but most of all, City fans, was there for all to see as last season's memorable campaign reached its glorious climax.

Now Lampard needs backing so he has a squad of players that can compete at the highest level for the first time in 25 years. The floor is now yours, Doug...

Listen below to debate on Lampard's deal or get all your Coventry audio here

And Sky Blues fans, we want to hear from you.

How important was it to tie Lampard down going into this season? And does it give you more confidence for the Premier League campaign ahead?

Let us know here

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Coventry City head coach Frank Lampard says he wants to build on the "spirit and togetherness" of the Championship title-winning campaign and that's why he has signed a new deal that will keep him at the club until 2029.

"After the incredible work of everybody to get promoted and win the Championship, it was important to enjoy the moment, and we certainly did as a city," said Lampard.

"Our job then as staff, and for the players of course, is to firstly recharge but also focus on what we want to do and what we need to for next season.

"There's a lot of work to do on and off the pitch as a football club, so those things have been on going.

"I'm looking forward to getting back with the players, to see them all and get ready for the new season.

"I'd like to thank everyone at the football club - the fans first and foremost for how they've supported the team, myself and my staff in allowing us to get to where we've got to. The spirit and togetherness we created last year was something great to be part of and now we want to continue it.

"Thank you to Doug King as well for giving me the opportunity to come to this football club and for his support of us. We work together and we know there's a lot to do but we're going to give it everything."

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German football expert Constantin Eckner believes there is a possibility that Aurele Amenda will leave Eintracht Frankfurt this summer in the hope of getting more game time.

The 22-year-old centre-back made 24 Bundesliga appearances last season and five in the Champions League.

Amenda is at the World Cup as part of Switzerland's squad but has been linked with a move to Coventry City in recent days.

"There is a sense that his time at Frankfurt might come to a close," said Eckner on BBC CWR. "He contemplated moving in January because he didn't get that much playing time, or as much as he was promised last summer.

"He's a talented, really tall Swiss defender. Right now, he is with the Switzerland team at the World Cup - although he's not played a minute so far because Manuel Akanji and Nico Elvedi are the regular and established centre-back pairing.

"It's a bit too early [in his career] to get past them and get a starting spot, but that might come in the future."

On his strengths, Eckner added: "He's athletic and has a really high work ethic. I've been told by people at Frankfurt that he really puts in the work and even after training sessions, which is really appreciated by a lot of people.

"He's not had the easiest of times at Frankfurt because sometimes he's only been a back-up. He did get more game time under Albert Riera, who was Frankfurt's coach for the second half of the season, but I think it's time for him to move on and try something else.

"Getting a starting XI spot would be a fresh start for a very talented defender. I could see him starting for Coventry City and developing as he's only 22 years old."

On the latest episode of BBC CWR's Sky Blues Fancast, fans Adam Sloman and Moz Baker reflect on the permanent signing of Frank Onyeka from Brentford and the news Coventry are set to appoint Rangers' Sal Bibbo as their new goalkeeping coach.

The former Arsenal goalkeeping coach will join Frank Lampard's staff as the Sky Blues prepare for their Premier League return.

"It goes to show we're attracting the right sort of people in all areas of the club," said Adam. "It can only be good news."

"We're aiming high and that's where the club needs to be aiming," added Moz.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and subscribe to the dedicated Coventry City page to get all Sky Blues audio content.

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Frank Onyeka has said he wants to help Coventry "stay in the Premier League and finish as high as we can" as his move from Brentford was confirmed.

The 28-year-old midfielder initially signed on loan in January with a clause ensuring a permanent switch should the Sky Blues achieve promotion.

He made 14 appearances during the second half of the season for Frank Lampard's team as they won the Championship.

"I'm really excited for the new season with Coventry," Onyeka told club media.

"When I first joined last season, I came here with two goals: to win the Championship and help Coventry get promoted to the Premier League.

"I'm really happy to now be a Coventry player back in the Premier League.

"I will give everything to the team, fight for every ball, fight for my team-mates and bring my experience.

"My ambition now is to help the team stay in the Premier League and finish as high as we can."

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

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Coventry are set to appoint Rangers' Sal Bibbo as their new goalkeeping coach.

The former Arsenal goalkeeping coach will join Frank Lampard's staff as the Sky Blues prepare for their Premier League return.

He joined Rangers as part of Russell Martin's staff last summer but will now replace Aled Williams, who has left Coventry after seven years.

Bibbo leaves Ibrox after Derek McInnes was appointed as the new head coach, replacing Danny Rohl after he left to join Red Bull Salzburg earlier this month.

Bibbo joined Arsenal as first-team goalkeeping coach in 2019 before leaving a year later and has also coached at Sheffield Wednesday.

Coventry are preparing for their first top-flight campaign since 2000-01 after winning the Championship last season.

They are keen to bring goalkeeper Carl Rushworth back to the club after his successful spell on loan from Brighton.

The relegation from League One to the bottom tier of English football starts episode five of Back Where We Belong.

Under Mark Robins, Coventry City found their identity and stability on the pitch, with fans finding joy in small and shared moments.

Instability off the pitch lingered, though. With Wasps still owning the Ricoh Arena, the Sky Blues were forced to ground-share with Birmingham City at St Andrew's.

Then came the remarkable 2019-20 season and promotion to the Championship - and the Sky Blues returned to the Ricoh on a 10-year deal the following campaign.

But the drama was not over...

Hit play above to hear the fifth episode or listen here on BBC Sounds

Explore the whole series

And read about the documentary here

Coventry City supporter Martin Wheatley believes chairman Doug King "has scored a spectacular own goal" with the newly announced season ticket pricing structure before the club's return to the Premier League.

Wheatley, who has been going to watch the Sky Blues since his sixth birthday, and has had a season-ticket in the Legends Lounge for the past six years, spoke about his feelings on the situation on BBC Radio CWR.

"It is a disgrace, really. A lot of us are very angry. The club are putting money above the loyalty of many fans," he said.

"People in hospitality who are saying: 'That is too steep for me thank you, but I do want to continue supporting the football club' cannot buy a season ticket anywhere in the arena. It is a flat 'no' from the club.

"We have also been told by the ticket office that even when we get to 14 July, there is no plan in place for anyone who has been displaced to buy a season ticket then.

"It just doesn't make sense. It is a money-grab. It is a dreadful and upsetting decision.

"The owner is causing a lot of upset. He is upsetting people that have supported and put money into his football club over the years.

"We were never even given the opportunity to buy a Premier Package in hospitality, but we still paid £300 to £400 more per season and our reward is basically that the club don't want us anymore.

"I feel as though Coventry City don't want me as a supporter anymore. It is like they are saying: 'Thanks very much for your 55 years worth of support, but actually we don't want you anymore because you can't afford to pay the ticket so we aren't going to give you the opportunity to buy one elsewhere'.

"In my opinion, the chairman has scored a spectacular own goal because he hasn't listened on this one."

Listen to the full conversation by pressing play above or on BBC Sounds here

Image source, Coventry City FC

Coventry City defender Callum Perry has signed a new long-term deal to extend his stay at the club.

The 20-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at National League side Rochdale, where he made 25 appearances and scored a penalty in the play-off final at Wembley to help them seal a spot in League Two - having agonisingly missed out on automatic promotion to York City on the last day.

A product of the Sky Blues' academy set-up, the centre-back has featured for under-18s and captained the under-21s in the Premier League Cup. He has also been named on the bench for the first team.

"I'm buzzing to sign a new contract," Perry told club media. "I have been at Coventry for a long time now and I love the people involved in and around the club, so I'm really glad that I'm going to be staying here.

"Last year was really beneficial for me, getting those experiences playing at Wembley and the massive game against York on the last day of the season.

"Being in men's football and learning the game was really important, so I've got a lot of people to thank at Rochdale. It has set me up for what is hopefully going to be a big year for me.

"I want to come back as fit as possible and be ready to play football again."

Forced out of the Ricoh Arena, Coventry City relocated to Sixfields in Northampton, leaving the Sky Blues without a home.

Fans were left with an impossible choice: to support the team in Northampton or stage boycotts in protest. The divide was deep and personal.

In 2014, Wasps Rugby Club purchased the Ricoh Area and the disconnect widened further.

On the pitch, instability continued through League One and even into League Two.

Then in 2017, after years of exile, division and despair, Sky Blues fans felt hope as the team went to Wembley to lift the Checkatrade Trophy.

Hit play above to hear the fourth episode or listen here on listen here on BBC Sounds

Explore the whole series here

And read about the documentary here

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We asked you which players you have watched at the World Cup that you think would be a great fit for Coventry City.

Here are some of your comments:

Dave: Cape Verde's Vozinha. We will need an outstanding keeper for this campaign.

Aaron: Che Adams [Scotland] as he is a great target man that we're missing and he's hardworking and creates space for team-mates.

Dale: Japan have been very impressive in the way they press and keep the ball moving. If we could add any of Daichi Kamada, Keito Nakamura or Ao Tanaka they would complement our existing players. Nakamura in particular has been impressive on the left and could be available playing in Ligue 2. Jonathan David is apparently available from Juventus and has proven he can score goals given the opportunity with Canada. Jordan Bos and Nestory Irankunda look promising for Australia and could make the step up into the Premier League. Ange-Yoan Bonny [Ivory Coast] also looks a handful and would be a good option up front if Inter Milan want to offload him.

Simon: Weston McKennie from USA is good on the ball and quick.

Stephen: Elijah Just was really impressive in New Zealand's first World Cup game and scored a great goal. It's no secret we need to strengthen on the right wing as Sakamoto is our only effective player on that side. I think Lampard could develop this young talent, and coming from Motherwell the price should be in our range.

Tell us who you have scouted

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

It's the ultimate shop window: a World Cup with 48 teams - all packed with players eager to show what they can do on the biggest stage.

With the transfer window now open, BBC Sport journalists have been taking a look at some of the key names being discussed.

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Coventry City have modelled their transfer business in recent seasons on Brighton and Brentford's prudent work, but they will inevitably need to bring in experienced heads for their return to the Premier League.

It remains to be seen if any World Cup players head their way.

The Sky Blues are in the market for a goalkeeper as Carl Rushworth has returned to parent club Brighton following a season-long loan, and they are also looking for defensive reinforcements.

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Former Coventry City winger Jodi Jones says his three anterior cruciate ligament operations made him a better person, just as former manager Mark Robins said it would.

Jones was sidelined for a total of 897 days during a spell at the Sky Blues, which meant missing 130 games, between November 2017 and August 2021.

He went more than five years between starting league matches, from the day he was first hurt playing for the Sky Blues in League Two, to featuring for Notts County in the National League after being sent out on loan by Oxford United in January 2023.

"Being a footballer is the best job in the world as you get up, you go to training and you play football, but you take it for granted at the time," said Jones on the Sky Blues Fancast.

"When it happened, it was really tough at the time. I remember Mark Robins saying to me 'it will make you a better person and you will be so strong after this,' but at the time you don't really listen.

"Not in a rude way, but because it feels so far away.

"It definitely made me a better person and a better man away from the football field. It's like it happened for a reason.

"It gave me a nice amount of time to focus on becoming a good father and I just worked on things I may have taken for granted before."

And now, after putting his three ACL injuries behind him, Jones is enjoying his time at Notts County and looks forward to playing in League One next season.

"I wouldn't change it for the world," added Jones. "Would I have played at a higher level? Potentially. But I wouldn't have been able to stay at Coventry and create all those amazing memories, or met my partner and have the family I have now.

"Or create the memories that I have at Notts County, which are some of the best of my career."