Frank Lampard told he pulled off a Coventry City ‘masterstroke’ as EFL expert shares ‘massive’ verdict

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As Coventry City fans look towards their Championship play-off tie against Sunderland this week, they’re reminded of the stellar job Frank Lampard has done.

When Coventry made the shock sacking of Mark Robins in November 2024, most fans reacted to this update negatively, and were perhaps even more concerned when Frank Lampard was handed the role.

The Englishman has endured a chequered start to his managerial career, and it seemed unthinkable that he could drag the Sky Blues into the play-offs after arriving with them in 17th position.

However, a record-breaking run of form and Coventry’s 2-0 victory over Middlesbrough meant Lampard’s men finished in fifth position, confirming a place in the Championship play-offs.

Ahead of Coventry’s two-legged clash against Sunderland, one EFL expert has spoken about the club’s incredible decision in the winter.

• READ MORE: Coventry City’s Championship play-offs record is brief but bitter, now they can make up for 2022/23 heartbreak

Coventry’s signing of Matt Grimes hailed as a ‘masterstroke’

Despite struggling in the first half of the season, Coventry knew they had the talent in their squad to their turn their campaign around, only capturing free agent Jamie Patterson and Swansea City midfielder Matt Grimes.

While Patterson has been utilised as an impact sub under Lampard, Grimes has become their chief conductor in central midfield, flexing his remarkable passing range and vision.

The 29-year-old has started the last 15 games for Coventry, while forming an incredible partnership with Ben Sheaf in the engine room.

That duo have played a vital role in the Sky Blues finishing in the top six, and now Andy Hinchcliffe has praised Lampard for the ‘massive’ signing of Grimes.

Speaking on the Essential EFL podcast, Hinchcliffe said: “Bobby Thomas has done well. Matt Grimes is a massive signing for them in terms of controlling football matches. That could be a masterstroke from Frank Lampard bringing him in.”

• READ MORE: Frank Lampard says ‘great’ Coventry City star is better than he ever was as a player in one area

Grimes 2024/25 Championship stats

Coventry’s ambition was what drove Grimes to sign for them in January, leaving Swansea behind, and becoming the orchestrator of their play-off charge.

The Englishman is a calming influence in central midfield, rarely giving possession away and being a useful weapon from deep with his creativity.

While the above statistics paint the picture of his capacity to keep possession ticking over, he’s also great at winning it back, posting 5.6 balls recovered and 1.6 tackles per game.

That is why Grimes has been instrumental in their push towards the play-offs, and will be crucial if they are to reach the promised land.