Coventry City supporters will be hoping to see the progress since Frank Lampard took over continue, as the Chelsea legend gears up for his first full season in charge.
Coventry City’s 2024/25 season came to an end in heartbreak at the Stadium of Light. It was looking like they would be offered the opportunity to avenge their penalty shootout demons from their play-off final defeat against Luton Town, before Dan Ballard rose highest to head home and shatter the Sky Blues’ promotion dreams.
After Doug King made the tough decision to part company with club legend Mark Robins last season, they turned to Frank Lampard as the new man at the CBS Arena. Since then, they have not looked back with the former Chelsea and Everton manager leading them to a 5th placed finish.
coventry city boss frank lampard
Image courtesy of: CRAIG BROUGH/REUTERS.
Almost three months since their play-off heartbreak, Lampard is preparing for their season opener against Hull City. However, how is his strongest starting XI starting to take shape?
The Current Coventry City squad
It has been a relatively quiet summer at the CBS Arena so far, with not many incomings or outgoings.
Fabio Tavares and Jamie Paterson departed following the expiry of their contracts, whilst Luis Binks has completed a switch to Brondby.
The goalkeeper spot was an area that sparked plenty of debate last season. Oliver Dovin impressed but is facing a spell on the sidelines, with Brad Collins and Ben Wilson occupying the starting spot in goal at various points but failing to convince.
Carl Rushworth on loan at Hull City - HCAFC
Image courtesy of: CRAIG BROUGH/REUTERS.
As a result, Carl Rushworth has arrived on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion. Rushworth impressed during his spell at Swansea City two seasons ago before joining Hull City last season, but only made two appearances with the Tigers opting for Ivor Pandur between the sticks.
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The Sky Blues have added reinforcements at full back with Miguel Angel arriving on a free transfer from Granada to compete with the likes of Jay Dasilva and Jake Bidwell. Milan van Ewijk has been rumoured to be making a potential exit, the signing of Kaine Kesler-Hayden ensures that Coventry City are prepared should a move come to fruition.
The strongest area of Lampard’s squad is arguably the same as his playing days, with several impressive central midfielders to choose from. The pick of the bunch is, of course, Jack Rudoni after a very strong season since joining from Huddersfield Town. Another midfielder who has impressed since joining has been Matt Grimes, who has proved to be a very shrewd pick up from Swansea City.
Coventry City midfield options
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Lampard continues to have a number of options to choose from up front. As long as he remains at the club, Haji Wright will be alongside the best forwards in the division. There are also the likes of Ellis Simms, Brandon Thomas-Asante and Norman Bassette to provide competition.
However, some Sky Blues supporters could feel that they are light on the wing, with Tatsuhiro Sakamoto and Ephron Mason-Clark the only recognised wingers.
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Frank Lampard’s strongest Coventry City starting XI
(4-2-3-1)
Rushworth; van Ewijk, Thomas, Kitching, Dasilva; Sheaf, Grimes; Sakamoto, Rudoni, Mason-Clark; Wright
It will be a huge surprise if Rushworth does not start the season in goal, he is a talented ‘keeper at Championship level. Whilst van Ewijk remains at the club, he will be one of the best players in the Coventry City squad.
Bobby Thomas and Liam Kitching have formed an impressive centre-back partnership and edge out Joel Latibeaudiere. Dasilva performed well as Coventry City entered the business end of the 2024/25 campaign – aside from his unfortunate red card against Luton Town. However, he will face tough competition from Miguel Angel Brau.
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Coventry City man Jack Rudoni
Image courtesy of: JOHN SIBLEY/REUTERS.
The midfield duo of Sheaf and Grimes provides a perfect balance in the middle of the park, allowing Rudoni to make late runs into the box which he thrived on so many times last season.
Sakamoto is a talented winger on his day but it would not be a surprise to see another winger on Coventry City’s wishlist for the remainder of the transfer window. Mason-Clarke should be looking to improve last season’s total of five goals and five assists and has the talent to do so.
It’s difficult to argue against Wright being the best centre-forward at the club and will likely lead the line for Lampard’s side into the new season. The USA international will be disappointed if he does not beat the 12 goals he scored in the 2024/25 season.
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