Frank Lampard was left gobsmacked when a talkSPORT reporter gave a glowing review of his impact at Coventry.
The Chelsea legend has guided the Sky Blues to the top of Championship with nine wins from 14 games.
Frank Lampard blown away by reporter's wholesome claim about impact at Coventry
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Lampard’s free-scoring side have netted 39 times and hold a four-point lead over second-place Stoke.
That has got Coventry fans dreaming that this could finally be the year that they return to the Premier League.
There are a generation of Coventry fans that have never experienced their side in top flight but Lampard has finally given them hope.
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The Midlands club were relegated from the Premier League in 2001 but slipped into the abyss when they dropped down to League One in 2012 and League Two in 2017.
But Coventry have stepped up their attempts to reach the holy grail in recent seasons and agonisingly missed out on promotion in the 2023 Championship play-off final.
Lampard inspired a stunning turnaround last season, guiding Coventry from a relegation battle to the play-offs in a matter of months, before they suffered a heartbreaking last-gasp defeat to eventual winners Sunderland in the semi-finals.
For many fans, this time feels different and it appears that it’s a sentiment shared by the entire community.
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And that was portrayed in the perfect way during an interview with Lampard by a talkSPORT reporter Anil Kandola who just happened to be a native of the city and a huge Sky Blues fan.
A message of thanks
As the interview drew to a close, Anil took an opportune moment to express his gratitude to Lampard in a heartwarming moment that any football fan could relate to.
“My final point is not a question, it’s more of a thank you,” the talkSPORT reporter said.
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Lampard has created a togetherness since his arrival that has been felt by people of Coventry
Getty
Lampard has created a togetherness since his arrival that has been felt by people of Coventry
Coventry are odds-on favourites to win promotion to the Premier League
Getty
Coventry are odds-on favourites to win promotion to the Premier League
“So obviously you won’t know, but I’m actually from Coventry, so I can see probably a lot more than you do in terms of the impact it has in the pubs and the bars everywhere across this city.
“The impact you’ve had on this team Frank is something I’ve never seen before. The way that this crowd here, on the road and in the pubs, It’s truly special what you’ve created here.
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“Mark Robins, he was so loved before you came in here, and there was a real hesitation, not just from you, your perspective, but just in general, can they really ignite that passion and the love for the game?
“And you’ve done that in abundance, so thank you so much for what you’ve done and best of luck for the rest of the season.”
Lampard was visibly taken aback by the kind words of the reporter and reassured him and all Coventry fans that they would do their best to maintain their promotion push.
“Well, thank you, and that’s an amazing thing that you said there,” Lampard replied.
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“I’m not stupid. I know we’ve got some results and we’re in a better position now, and I realise that fans are happy with that.
Coventry Frank Lampard celebrates and reacts to an interview
Lampard was left astounded by the reporter’s heartfelt words
“But when you say that personally, you talk about pubs and around the city or whatever it is, travelling to games in our bubble sometimes you miss that.
“You just try and strive to win every game that you possibly can. So when you say that and it feels as big as that, then I really appreciate it and I’ll keep trying to keep you happy and try to do the right thing.”
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Lampard took over as Coventry boss in November 2024 and quickly stamped his mark on the team.
He took Coventry from the threat of relegation to fifth in the Championship but lost 3-2 on aggregate to Sunderland in the play-off semi-finals.
The 47-year-old has continued to steer the club’s upwards trajectory this season but face their sternest test of the season on Saturday when they travel to second-place Stoke – live on talkSPORT 2.
The Potters are managed by Robins, who Lampard succeeded at Coventry a year ago.