Why Coventry talks are key to Lampard future

The glory of Coventry's return to the Premier League won't dim for some time yet - certainly not for supporters who have a summer of giddy anticipation ahead.

But for manager Frank Lampard, the euphoria will quickly fade - if it hasn't already - and reality will strike.

Right now, Lampard is focused on his team's final Championship fixture at Watford as Coventry look to end their historic season on a high.

But there are important conversations and, ultimately, decisions on the horizon that will shape the club's future.

Getting out of the Championship is an outstanding achievement; staying in the Premier League altogether different.

Lampard, given what he has done in his career already, knows that more than most.

His work in revitalising a club that hasn't experienced top-flight football in 25 years has sent his personal stock soaring.

But success is a double-edged sword for Coventry.

Lampard has masterminded their revival since his appointment in November 2024, when the club were threatened with relegation into League One.

Fast forward 18 months, and Coventry will be promoted as champions. The benefits of Premier League status are well-documented.

But for clubs lower down the food chain, that level of success can come at a cost; your best talent - managers included - become sought-after personnel for the more established.

So, with that said, it is perhaps no surprise that rival clubs have taken notice of Lampard's achievements.

Palace and Fulham possible London options

Lampard continues to have admirers behind the scenes at Crystal Palace, who need a new head coach as Oliver Glasner is leaving.

The level of Palace's interest will become clearer in due course as the club accelerate their efforts to identify Glasner's successor. Departing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, former Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche, ex-Spurs boss Thomas Frank, Lens head coach Pierre Sage and Ipswich's Kieran McKenna are among other possible contenders.

Moving to Selhurst Park would allow Lampard to return to London, as would the Fulham job.

The Craven Cottage side are still to confirm whether head coach Marco Silva is renewing his contract. As it stands, the Portuguese is due to leave at the end of the season when his existing deal expires.

Given his Chelsea connections, taking over at Fulham may require extra emotional consideration from Lampard.

But, like Palace, the west London side are an established Premier League outfit that can provide a stable platform for Lampard. Now he is back in the top league, he will want to stay there.

Then, of course, there is the Chelsea vacancy - though Lampard's former club appear to be focused on others, with Iraola and Silva among their current targets.

Bournemouth were also linked with Lampard after confirming Iraola's departure - but the Cherries have confirmed Marco Rose is replacing the Spaniard.

Should any club formalise their interest in Lampard in the coming weeks, compensation is likely to emerge as a factor.

Doug King - the club's owner and chairman - appears relaxed.

Speaking to BBC CWR, King said: "Everybody is going to get linked with everything. It's a merry-go-round. It's a bit disappointing clubs are appointing three or four managers a season.

"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.

"It doesn't mean there's not going to be some staggering bid for him in the summer and he'll have to make his choices, because he's shown his credentials as a high quality head coach, but I'm not going to comment on that, I can't control it.

"I just think he's happy, I'm happy, everybody's happy, we've just got smiles on our faces and we don't worry about what may or may not happen for the head coach."

Lampard wants Coventry to give themselves fighting chance

With all that said, for many outsiders - and certainly Coventry's supporters - leading the club back into the top division for the first time since 2001 appears a no-brainer for Lampard.

Savouring the fruits of his labour is a prospect that should excite Lampard; the crowd at their first home game back in the big time a sight to behold.

But Lampard is mindful of ensuring Coventry aren't just making up the numbers. He will want the team to be competitive.

Talks with King and key figures within Coventry's hierarchy over how the club will approach a pivotal summer will take place almost immediately after Saturday's visit to Vicarage Road.

Intriguingly, Lampard has just over 12 months left on his deal and, speaking recently, said there have not been any talks over a renewal. That presents an interesting dynamic heading into the close season.

When Lampard and the club's hierarchy meet in the coming days, it makes sense that Coventry will dangle the carrot of a new contract as a show of commitment.

But for an English football icon who is accustomed to success, Lampard will want to ensure his team have a fighter's chance of staying up.

There was a hint of the 47-year-old's mindset last week.

"There's a lot of work to do because we know the step up it will be for the football club," said Lampard.

"That's something we have to work on quickly now because of where we're at. We have to be ambitious. I know what the Premier League is and it's going to be a challenge. We can enjoy the moment for the next two weeks but of course we have to work behind the scenes to ensure we go up in the right way."

Those words will provide some encouragement to Coventry supporters that Lampard is preparing to lead their team back into the top division.

For the time being, Lampard is fully committed. All those connected with the club will hope it stays that way.