Frank Lampard Honoured as LMA Manager of the Year
Frank Lampard has been awarded the League Managers Association (LMA) manager of the year accolade following his successful leadership of Coventry City back to the Premier League.
Despite Coventry's defeat to Sunderland in the previous season's play-off semi-final, Lampard guided the Sky Blues to a dominant 2025-26 Championship campaign, finishing 11 points ahead of their nearest rivals to secure the title and promotion to the top tier for the first time since the 2000-01 season.
The former England international and midfielder, who has managed Derby County, Everton, and had two spells at Chelsea, received the prestigious Sir Alex Ferguson award from England manager Thomas Tuchel.
This award, named in honour of the legendary Manchester United manager, is voted on by fellow managers across the leagues and considers both success and the resources available to the recipient.
During the presentation, Tuchel read a letter from Sir Alex Ferguson praising Lampard's Coventry side:
"Your Coventry team play great football with confidence and belief. I have enjoyed watching you. Best of luck in the Premier League next season."
Other Award Nominees and Winners
The shortlist for the award included Brentford's Keith Andrews, Arsenal's Mikel Arteta, Aston Villa's Unai Emery, Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola, Manchester City's Pep Guardiola, Lincoln City's Michael Skubala, and Bromley's Andy Woodman.
Manchester City's Andree Jeglertz was honoured with the Women's Super League (WSL) manager of the year award after guiding the club to the title.
Mikel Arteta, who led Arsenal to their first Premier League title in 22 years, won the Premier League manager of the year award, while Lampard secured the Championship equivalent.
Michael Skubala, who achieved League One success with Lincoln City, received the award for the third tier, and Andy Woodman was recognised with the League Two award after leading Bromley to the title.
The WSL2 manager of the year award was presented to Karen Hills, who led Charlton Athletic to promotion to the WSL for the first time.
Hall of Fame Inductions
Steve Bruce and Martin O'Neill were inducted into the LMA Hall of Fame after each reached the milestone of managing 1,000 games.
Lampard's Managerial Journey
This award represents the most significant individual recognition in Lampard's coaching career to date.
His tenure at Derby County saw a Championship play-off final loss in 2019. He then took charge at Chelsea, his former club where he spent 13 years as a player. Lampard was dismissed after 18 months in 2021 but later returned as caretaker manager.
Between these appointments, he managed Everton for less than a year, successfully steering them clear of relegation before being sacked.
In the 2025-26 season, Lampard's Coventry side were the Championship's highest scorers, netting 97 goals in 46 matches, while also boasting the best defensive record.
Recent recipients of the LMA's top managerial award outside the Premier League include Chris Wilder, who won it in 2019 with Sheffield United, and Kieran McKenna, Ipswich Town's manager and the 2024 winner.
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