Frank Lampard hails 'fantastic day' as Coventry seal play-off spot with 2-0 win over Middlesbrough to move one step closer to Premier League return
They were wallowing in 17th when he was appointed in late November, with fans torn apart by the sacking of Mark Robins, the managerial hero who led them from the mire of the fourth tier to the brink of the Premier League.
Lampard tiptoed skilfully through the post-Robins minefield and slowly rebuilt the team, guiding them steadily up the Championship, soothing scars along the way.
And they have finished the season in fifth place, clinching a place in the playoffs thanks to two goals by Jack Rudoni, in front of a record crowd at the CBS Arena.
'A fantastic day,' beamed Lampard. 'To make play offs from where we were tops off what's been a really good period. To make the play offs and come fifth in the league is brilliant.
'We can be happy, and that wasn't certain because Middlesbrough is a tough game and there was pressure on the team.'
Rudoni's second, scored on the break in the 88th minute unleashed wild scenes among fans. They have witnessed tough times since relegation from the Premier League in 2001 after more than three decades defying gravity in the topflight.
'I've always respected Coventry because of the history and tradition,' said Lampard. 'I remember the FA Cup final in '87, one of my first, but I didn't realise this fanbase and the sound they make here.
'So if I've played a small part in it, I am pleased but I am a small part in it. I've found it an enjoyable club to work at. I hope I don't sound as if I'm getting too far ahead of my station but from 17th to fifth is a big deal at this point and a lot of people should take credit for it and mainly the players.
'There's still a lot of work to be done. We're not there yet.'
Coventry bounce into the playoffs on a high and take on Sunderland who have faded at the end of the season with no wins in six and five defeats in a row.
'Nobody will be fooled,' said Lampard. The first leg of the semi-final is at the CBS on Friday.
Middlesbrough travelled south knowing victory would have given them a shot at the play-offs but, on a day of extremes, defeat left them in disappointed in tenth on 64 points, five fewer than last season and questions for their boss Michael Carrick, Lampard's former West Ham and England teammate.
'It's a sickening feeling,' said Carrick. 'The boys were upset. It was quiet in the changing room and you could see visibly it hurt them. And seeing that upsets me because I care about them a lot.
'I want to see them celebrating but it's part of sport and you have to take it.'
Boro survived a strong opening by Coventry and grew into the game. Finn Azaz had an effort pushed onto a post by goalkeeper Ben Wilson and then Rudoni struck just before the interval leaping to head in a cross from Tatsuhiro Sakamoto.
Wilson, back in the team for the first time since October, made more excellent saves as Carrick's team responded in the second half, the best of them to deny Azaz again.
Coventry substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante made a fabulous impact. He hit a post at one end and Morgan Whittaker hit a post at the other end before Thomas-Asante burst to set up the second for Rudoni.
Cue celebrations. Lampard's coaching staff leapt on him and the crowd erupted. There will work to be done in the playoffs and more drama awaits but the clouds have gone.
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