Coventry City secured promotion to the Premier League after a 1-1 draw against Blackburn Rovers on Friday night. The result guaranteed automatic promotion with three games to spare and ended a 25-year absence from the top flight
Blackburn Rovers took the lead through Ryoya Morishita in the second half. However, defender Bobby Thomas rose highest to head home a free-kick equaliser in the 85th minute. The goal sparked wild celebrations among more than 7,000 travelling fans at Ewood Park.
Manager Frank Lampard guided Coventry City to the top of the Championship for most of the season. The former Chelsea and England midfielder took charge last year and built a dominant side that set club records for points.
After the match Frank Lampard said: “To get promotion, with three games to go, it makes me feel emotion. They deserve every second. This league is hard… after 25 years, wow.” He added that the achievement ranked among the proudest moments of his career because of the hard work and fan support.
Coventry City last played in the Premier League in the 2000-01 season before relegation. The club then endured financial troubles, two further relegations and periods of groundsharing away from their home stadium.
Moreover, new owner Doug King acquired the Coventry Building Society Arena and stabilised the club. Previous manager Mark Robins had already lifted them from League Two. This season’s success completed the journey back to the elite division.
