9 mins. ago
After a 25-year absence, Coventry City are back in England's top-flight.
In a special episode of BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast, Mark Chapman is joined by Golden Boot-winning former striker Dion Dublin, club legend Steve Ogrizovic, BBC CWR's Rob Gurney, and others to reflect on the club's remarkable journey back to the top.
You can also hear from manager Frank Lampard - the man who brought the Sky Blues back to the Premier League - recall the club's rejuvenation under Mark Robins and hear fan stories from the darker years.
"It was a hugely difficult period," reflects Gurney.
"Keeping my twins, who are going to be 24 on Friday, interested when they were kids was very difficult. I was taking them to places like Barnsley and Peterborough to go and watch matches away from home. They plummeted all the way down to League Two.
#Football
In a special episode of BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast, Mark Chapman is joined by Golden Boot-winning former striker Dion Dublin, club legend Steve Ogrizovic, BBC CWR's Rob Gurney, and others to reflect on the club's remarkable journey back to the top.
You can also hear from manager Frank Lampard - the man who brought the Sky Blues back to the Premier League - recall the club's rejuvenation under Mark Robins and hear fan stories from the darker years.
"It was a hugely difficult period," reflects Gurney.
"Keeping my twins, who are going to be 24 on Friday, interested when they were kids was very difficult. I was taking them to places like Barnsley and Peterborough to go and watch matches away from home. They plummeted all the way down to League Two.
#Football
1 hr. ago
Arsenal have been handed a boost ahead of their match against Coventry, as the Premier League new boys have lost one of their key players to injury.
Coventry know the challenge they will face when they step onto the pitch against defending champions ******* nal, so they will want all their best players available for the game. However, Frank Lampard will be without Haji Wright, who has been sidelined for several weeks because of injury.
The injury has come at an unfortunate time for Coventry, with Wright having scored 17 league goals for them last season as they secured promotion back to the top flight. He is therefore one of their key players and one of the stars who could have caused problems for ******* nal.
However, the Gunners can count themselves fortunate, as Lampard has confirmed that the American will not be fit for the match. Wright remains some distance away from being fit enough to play any fixture for the club, leaving Coventry without an important attacking option.
Lampard explained the severity of the injury ahead of Coventry's opening game of the season against ******* nal, making it clear that Wright's absence is likely to extend beyond this weekend.
#lampard #wright
Coventry know the challenge they will face when they step onto the pitch against defending champions ******* nal, so they will want all their best players available for the game. However, Frank Lampard will be without Haji Wright, who has been sidelined for several weeks because of injury.
The injury has come at an unfortunate time for Coventry, with Wright having scored 17 league goals for them last season as they secured promotion back to the top flight. He is therefore one of their key players and one of the stars who could have caused problems for ******* nal.
However, the Gunners can count themselves fortunate, as Lampard has confirmed that the American will not be fit for the match. Wright remains some distance away from being fit enough to play any fixture for the club, leaving Coventry without an important attacking option.
Lampard explained the severity of the injury ahead of Coventry's opening game of the season against ******* nal, making it clear that Wright's absence is likely to extend beyond this weekend.
#lampard #wright
12 days ago
Newly-promoted Coventry City have made enquiries over a move for Olympique de Marseille midfielder Angel Gomes (25), who is hoping to return to the Premier League this summer, according to L'Équipe.
Frank Lampard's side are among the clubs to have sounded out Gomes' situation, with Marseille prepared to allow the England international to leave before the end of the transfer window.
Gomes featured regularly during OM's pre-season preparations and was used as a No.10 by Bruno Genesio during Wednesday's 3-0 friendly victory over Al Shahania, operating ahead of the Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Tochukwu Nnadi in a midfield pairing.
However, the former Manchester United midfielder's priority is to secure another opportunity in England. Gomes spent the second half of last season on loan at Wolverhampton Wanderers, although his spell at Molineux proved difficult.
Despite that experience, the 25-year-old remains keen to establish himself in the Premier League. Coventry, promoted to the top flight this summer, have now emerged as one potential destination.
#coventry #season #newly
Frank Lampard's side are among the clubs to have sounded out Gomes' situation, with Marseille prepared to allow the England international to leave before the end of the transfer window.
Gomes featured regularly during OM's pre-season preparations and was used as a No.10 by Bruno Genesio during Wednesday's 3-0 friendly victory over Al Shahania, operating ahead of the Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Tochukwu Nnadi in a midfield pairing.
However, the former Manchester United midfielder's priority is to secure another opportunity in England. Gomes spent the second half of last season on loan at Wolverhampton Wanderers, although his spell at Molineux proved difficult.
Despite that experience, the 25-year-old remains keen to establish himself in the Premier League. Coventry, promoted to the top flight this summer, have now emerged as one potential destination.
#coventry #season #newly
20 days ago
Michael Olise's meteoric rise has transformed him from one of Europe's most exciting young wingers into a player that virtually every elite club would love to have. After a spectacular season with Bayern Munich, the French international has become a regular feature in Ballon d'Or discussions and is widely regarded as one of the most entertaining players in world football. Despite inevitable transfer speculation, former Chelsea ****** istant manager Jody Morris believes Olise has found the perfect environment in Munich and sees little reason for the winger to leave anytime soon.
"When you get to that level, there's no rush to come back for Michael Olise unless he wants to return home. He is suited to the continental style of play. He has already produced in the Premier League and can have his pick of where to go. I imagine Bayern will give him a huge new deal to stave off interest," Morris told BOYLE Sports, who offer the latest football odds. "I think everyone in world football would want to sign him. He is the type of player who gets you on the edge of your seat. I haven't seen a player open up defenses like that in a long time. Lionel Messi is the only one similar in that regard. He will be disappointed to have missed chances in the tournament. He is my favorite footballer to watch at the moment."
Those are lofty comparisons, but they reflect just how highly Olise is regarded after his breakout campaign. His blend of creativity, vision, close control, and end product makes him one of the rare players capable of deciding matches with a single moment of brilliance. Under Vincent Kompany, Olise has flourished into the centerpiece of Bayern Munich's attack while continuing to improve every aspect of his game.
Morris also poured cold water on any suggestion that Chelsea could realistically lure Olise back to England.
"Chelsea would need to make unbelievable strides to even be in the conversation for a player like Michael Olise. We tried to get him from Palace before, and not getting him is what led us to signing Cole Palmer. Michael Olise plays in any World XI for me right now. The signing of Eden Hazard at the time was huge, and he went on to be a great," Morris said. "For me, Hazard is the greatest individual player to ever play for Chelsea in terms of talent, though he's third on the overall list behind John Terry and Frank Lampard. Olise is the closest we would get to someone who can entertain the Stamford Bridge crowd while also producing numbers. He has a great balance of being great to watch with flair, but he doesn't shirk his production in the final third. He still manages goals and ****** ists while floating around the pitch. He is a phenomenal player."
#World #great
"When you get to that level, there's no rush to come back for Michael Olise unless he wants to return home. He is suited to the continental style of play. He has already produced in the Premier League and can have his pick of where to go. I imagine Bayern will give him a huge new deal to stave off interest," Morris told BOYLE Sports, who offer the latest football odds. "I think everyone in world football would want to sign him. He is the type of player who gets you on the edge of your seat. I haven't seen a player open up defenses like that in a long time. Lionel Messi is the only one similar in that regard. He will be disappointed to have missed chances in the tournament. He is my favorite footballer to watch at the moment."
Those are lofty comparisons, but they reflect just how highly Olise is regarded after his breakout campaign. His blend of creativity, vision, close control, and end product makes him one of the rare players capable of deciding matches with a single moment of brilliance. Under Vincent Kompany, Olise has flourished into the centerpiece of Bayern Munich's attack while continuing to improve every aspect of his game.
Morris also poured cold water on any suggestion that Chelsea could realistically lure Olise back to England.
"Chelsea would need to make unbelievable strides to even be in the conversation for a player like Michael Olise. We tried to get him from Palace before, and not getting him is what led us to signing Cole Palmer. Michael Olise plays in any World XI for me right now. The signing of Eden Hazard at the time was huge, and he went on to be a great," Morris said. "For me, Hazard is the greatest individual player to ever play for Chelsea in terms of talent, though he's third on the overall list behind John Terry and Frank Lampard. Olise is the closest we would get to someone who can entertain the Stamford Bridge crowd while also producing numbers. He has a great balance of being great to watch with flair, but he doesn't shirk his production in the final third. He still manages goals and ****** ists while floating around the pitch. He is a phenomenal player."
#World #great
1 month ago
Despite crashing out of the tournament, the German press are still casting their eyes over the final four in the 2026 World Cup.
Germany’s 2026 World Cup campaign ended in absolute disaster, extending their painful twelve-year wait for a tournament knockout victory.
Despite high expectations under Julian Nagelsmann, a shock penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay in the Round of 32 sent the European giants packing early.
Now, they’re forced to sit at home and watch bitter rivals England in the semi-final.
The football rivalry between England and Germany goes back decades. Rooted in the iconic 1966 World Cup final and fueled by dramatic tournament clashes, penalty shootout heartbreaks, and the famous Frank Lampard goal that was never given.
Germany’s 2026 World Cup campaign ended in absolute disaster, extending their painful twelve-year wait for a tournament knockout victory.
Despite high expectations under Julian Nagelsmann, a shock penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay in the Round of 32 sent the European giants packing early.
Now, they’re forced to sit at home and watch bitter rivals England in the semi-final.
The football rivalry between England and Germany goes back decades. Rooted in the iconic 1966 World Cup final and fueled by dramatic tournament clashes, penalty shootout heartbreaks, and the famous Frank Lampard goal that was never given.
2 months ago
Coventry City head coach Frank Lampard says he wants to build on the "spirit and togetherness" of the Championship ***** le-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.
"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.
2 months ago
England are competing in their 17th men’s World Cup this summer as they bid to end 60 years of hurt in North America, and they are sporting another new kit as they do so.
The team’s sartorial expressions have shifted through the eras, from the simple shirts of the first tournaments in the 1950s to the uncharacteristically bold pattern of 1982 and the subtle flecks of red and blue in the early 2000s.
Which kit carries the weight of history? Which shirt conjures sweet notes of nostalgia? Which design is wholly uninspiring?
Here are all of England’s World Cup kits, ranked and rated:
2010, South Africa: A bland kit for modern times, which complemented the team’s performance. England were knocked out by Germany, losing 4-1 in the round of 16 after Frank Lampard’s goal that never was.
The team’s sartorial expressions have shifted through the eras, from the simple shirts of the first tournaments in the 1950s to the uncharacteristically bold pattern of 1982 and the subtle flecks of red and blue in the early 2000s.
Which kit carries the weight of history? Which shirt conjures sweet notes of nostalgia? Which design is wholly uninspiring?
Here are all of England’s World Cup kits, ranked and rated:
2010, South Africa: A bland kit for modern times, which complemented the team’s performance. England were knocked out by Germany, losing 4-1 in the round of 16 after Frank Lampard’s goal that never was.
2 months ago
Check out this special interview with Frank Lampard as we mark his 48th birthday today. This feature was first published in February 2024.
Frank Lampard is unequivocal when asked about his time playing for Manchester City, warmly and nostalgically exclaiming: ‘I loved it from day one’.
Lampard joined City, then Premier League champions, in August 2014 and had a solitary season in blue.
Lampard admits it was a ‘tough decision’ to sign for City due to his affiliation with Chelsea, where he’d won the Champions League, the Europa League, three Premier League ******* les, four FA Cups, two League Cups and two Community Shields.
But the chance of a new adventure and, importantly, the opportunity to remain in the Premier League was too good an opportunity to miss.
Frank Lampard is unequivocal when asked about his time playing for Manchester City, warmly and nostalgically exclaiming: ‘I loved it from day one’.
Lampard joined City, then Premier League champions, in August 2014 and had a solitary season in blue.
Lampard admits it was a ‘tough decision’ to sign for City due to his affiliation with Chelsea, where he’d won the Champions League, the Europa League, three Premier League ******* les, four FA Cups, two League Cups and two Community Shields.
But the chance of a new adventure and, importantly, the opportunity to remain in the Premier League was too good an opportunity to miss.
2 months ago
Arsenal will begin their ****** le defence against Coventry City after the Premier League released the fixture list for the 2026/27 season.
The new campaign will open with a clash of the champions as the Gunners welcome Frank Lampard’s Championship-winning side to the Emirates Stadium on Friday, 21st August.
The first big London derby of the year is set for gameweek three, when ****** nal entertain Chelsea on 5th September.
Mikel Arteta’s men travel to Anfield for a meeting with Liverpool at the end of October and host Manchester City a month later.
December looks like a tricky month for ****** nal; they face Brentford away, followed by a North London Derby at Spurs and home games against Bournemouth and Manchester United. On Boxing Day they return to the scene of their trophy lift as they head to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace, before hosting Fulham in their final game of the year.
The new campaign will open with a clash of the champions as the Gunners welcome Frank Lampard’s Championship-winning side to the Emirates Stadium on Friday, 21st August.
The first big London derby of the year is set for gameweek three, when ****** nal entertain Chelsea on 5th September.
Mikel Arteta’s men travel to Anfield for a meeting with Liverpool at the end of October and host Manchester City a month later.
December looks like a tricky month for ****** nal; they face Brentford away, followed by a North London Derby at Spurs and home games against Bournemouth and Manchester United. On Boxing Day they return to the scene of their trophy lift as they head to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace, before hosting Fulham in their final game of the year.
2 months ago
Nothing says "welcome back to the Premier League", after 25 years away, than successive away games at reigning champions ******* nal and last season's runners-up Manchester City, does it?!
The campaign's curtain-raiser, at Emirates Stadium on Friday, 21 August is a mouthwatering, if daunting, prospect, clearly.
But it's one that Frank Lampard and his coaching staff, as well as the Sky Blue Army, will be relishing, together with hopefully a squad capable of at least competing, if not thriving, on the club's long-awaited return to the top flight.
The first home game, against play-off winners Hull City, looks a bit more inviting, although fans will remember - not too fondly, perhaps - 0-0 draws in both Championship fixtures last season.
Supporters rubbing their hands at the prospect of Aston Villa's first ever visit to the CBS Arena will have to wait until December, with the return at Villa Park the last game of April - bringing back the inevitably painful memories of what happened there in May 2001.
The campaign's curtain-raiser, at Emirates Stadium on Friday, 21 August is a mouthwatering, if daunting, prospect, clearly.
But it's one that Frank Lampard and his coaching staff, as well as the Sky Blue Army, will be relishing, together with hopefully a squad capable of at least competing, if not thriving, on the club's long-awaited return to the top flight.
The first home game, against play-off winners Hull City, looks a bit more inviting, although fans will remember - not too fondly, perhaps - 0-0 draws in both Championship fixtures last season.
Supporters rubbing their hands at the prospect of Aston Villa's first ever visit to the CBS Arena will have to wait until December, with the return at Villa Park the last game of April - bringing back the inevitably painful memories of what happened there in May 2001.
2 months ago
Coventry will begin their first Premier League campaign in 25 years with a Friday night trip to champions **** nal on August 21.
The fixtures for the 2026-27 season were revealed on Friday morning and Frank Lampard's new boys start with a tough test at Emirates Stadium before fellow promoted club Hull begin with a mouth-watering home fixture with Manchester United on the Saturday.
Ipswich entertain Sunderland on August 22 and some of the other eye-catching opening weekend fixtures include Andoni Iraola taking Liverpool to Newcastle on August 23 for his debut match while Manchester City start life after Pep Guardiola at home to Bournemouth on the same day.
Brentford host Tottenham, Everton welcome Conference League champions Crystal Palace to Merseyside and Leeds visit Nottingham Forest that weekend while Europa League winners Aston Villa make the trip to Brighton before new Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso begins his reign with a west London derby at Fulham on Monday, August 24.
Iraola's Anfield debut will occur on the weekend of August 29 against Nottingham Forest and a first top-flight match at Coventry's home stadium since 2001 will be versus Hull.
The fixtures for the 2026-27 season were revealed on Friday morning and Frank Lampard's new boys start with a tough test at Emirates Stadium before fellow promoted club Hull begin with a mouth-watering home fixture with Manchester United on the Saturday.
Ipswich entertain Sunderland on August 22 and some of the other eye-catching opening weekend fixtures include Andoni Iraola taking Liverpool to Newcastle on August 23 for his debut match while Manchester City start life after Pep Guardiola at home to Bournemouth on the same day.
Brentford host Tottenham, Everton welcome Conference League champions Crystal Palace to Merseyside and Leeds visit Nottingham Forest that weekend while Europa League winners Aston Villa make the trip to Brighton before new Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso begins his reign with a west London derby at Fulham on Monday, August 24.
Iraola's Anfield debut will occur on the weekend of August 29 against Nottingham Forest and a first top-flight match at Coventry's home stadium since 2001 will be versus Hull.
2 months ago
The 2026/27 Premier League season will kick-off when ******* nal host promoted Coventry City on Friday 21 August, followed by fellow new arrivals Hull taking on Manchester United the following lunchtime.
And while it yet again turns out that all 20 teams will play each other twice across the campaign, a strong start will feel imperative for Mikel Arteta's team as they seek to retain their ******* le. The promoted sides will be hoping to build early momentum too to ensure the season does not become a slog and the prospect of imitating Sunderland may inspire them.
On paper ******* nal have a tricky start with their meeting against Frank Lampard's side followed swiftly by a trip to Aston Villa and a meeting with Xabi Alonso's Chelsea at the Emirates. After that they must travel to Sunderland and Brighton.
Coventry, meanwhile, must also travel to Manchester City in their third fixture after a home opener against Hull, which already seems crucial, followed by meetings against Brighton and Nottingham Forest.
The East Midlands side may open their season at home to Leeds but after that they take on Liverpool away, Tottenham Hotspur at the City Ground and play Villa away, with Coventry's visit closing out a difficult opening month.
And while it yet again turns out that all 20 teams will play each other twice across the campaign, a strong start will feel imperative for Mikel Arteta's team as they seek to retain their ******* le. The promoted sides will be hoping to build early momentum too to ensure the season does not become a slog and the prospect of imitating Sunderland may inspire them.
On paper ******* nal have a tricky start with their meeting against Frank Lampard's side followed swiftly by a trip to Aston Villa and a meeting with Xabi Alonso's Chelsea at the Emirates. After that they must travel to Sunderland and Brighton.
Coventry, meanwhile, must also travel to Manchester City in their third fixture after a home opener against Hull, which already seems crucial, followed by meetings against Brighton and Nottingham Forest.
The East Midlands side may open their season at home to Leeds but after that they take on Liverpool away, Tottenham Hotspur at the City Ground and play Villa away, with Coventry's visit closing out a difficult opening month.
2 months ago
The Premier League fixtures for the 2026/27 campaign are set to be revealed as the 20 top-flight clubs find out their full schedule.
Arsenal ended a 22-year wait as they held off Manchester City last season, and will be seeking more success as they defend their ***** le.
Coventry, Ipswich and Hull return to the top-flight ranks, with Frank Lampard’s side back in the Premier League for the first time in 25 years.
With nine teams involved in European competition, squad management may be key – particularly coming off of a World Cup that has placed further pressures on players.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Arsenal ended a 22-year wait as they held off Manchester City last season, and will be seeking more success as they defend their ***** le.
Coventry, Ipswich and Hull return to the top-flight ranks, with Frank Lampard’s side back in the Premier League for the first time in 25 years.
With nine teams involved in European competition, squad management may be key – particularly coming off of a World Cup that has placed further pressures on players.
Here’s everything you need to know.
2 months ago
Fabio Capello admits he will support Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil at the 2026 World Cup but reveals he still 'can't get over' Frank Lampard's ghost goal in 2010: 'We don't know where we could have ended up.'
The 2026 World Cup is just around the corner, but, sadly, the Azzurri won't be in the competition for the third consecutive time.
Therefore, Gazzetta asked Capello about the team he'll support this summer, as well as the favourites to win the trophy.
"I'm rooting for Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil: he's an incredible character, he integrates quickly into any environment, and in Brazil it's not that simple," said the ex-Italian coach.
"The favourites are either France or Spain, because I think they have the most quality and players who can make a difference at any time. It will be very demanding, with hot weather, so the quality will be very important."
The 2026 World Cup is just around the corner, but, sadly, the Azzurri won't be in the competition for the third consecutive time.
Therefore, Gazzetta asked Capello about the team he'll support this summer, as well as the favourites to win the trophy.
"I'm rooting for Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil: he's an incredible character, he integrates quickly into any environment, and in Brazil it's not that simple," said the ex-Italian coach.
"The favourites are either France or Spain, because I think they have the most quality and players who can make a difference at any time. It will be very demanding, with hot weather, so the quality will be very important."
