Chelsea legend frontrunner be appointed manager of struggling QPR and Millwall Championship rivals

Chelsea legend Frank Lampard is favourite to replace Mark Robins as Coventry City manager after the QPR and Millwall rivals parted ways with the 54-year-old on Thursday.

That's according to the Evening Standard, who believe that Lampard could make his return to management with The Sky Blues. The former midfielder hasn't been in charge at a club since his brief stint as caretaker boss at Stamford Bridge in 2023.

Coventry City sit 17th in the second tier after 14 fixtures, still five points and six places ahead of Marti Cifuentes' struggling R's side. The two teams met at Lofts Road last month and played out a 1-1 draw with youngster Kieran Morgan scoring his first goal for the London outfit.

Millwall are yet to meet Coventry City this season but will welcome the club to The Den at the start of December. Neil Harris' side are flying high in the Championship after an impressive run of form and sit fifth in the division.

Robins had held his role with Coventry City since 2017 and helped the club to promotion into League One in 2018 and then into the Championship in 2020. The outfit is set to appoint an interim head coach for this weekend's trip to Championship leaders Sunderland as the search for a permanent replacement begins.

Frank Lampard favourite to manage QPR and Millwall rivals

Lampard, who has Championship experience thanks to time at Derby County, is the frontrunner for the role. His last permanent role was with Everton, where he lasted just under a year before being sacked with just 12 wins from 44 games.

The ex-Chelsea star is often linked with roles across the continent with AS Roma, Rangers and Burnley touted as potential employers in recent months. In the summer, Lampard admitted he was ready to return to management but only for the right job.

He said: "Some opportunities have come my way, they didn't feel right for the time. So I've kind of taken that decision a bit at times. But now I feel ready so we will see what opportunities come up. I'm certainly ready to work. I love doing what I do, so we will see."

Coventry City release Mark Robins statement

A Coventry City statement today labelled the sacking of Robins as a 'difficult decision' and thanked the coach for his achievements at the club. It added: "Mark masterminded and built several teams over that time that outperformed their budget, outperformed their infrastructure and brought back a playing style, credibility and belief to our City that had been lost and eroded over many years.

“These achievements will never be forgotten by those who witnessed such deeds and the broader community that once again began to rekindle their affection for our Club.

“There is no doubt that Coventry City today would not be where it is today without the inspired actions of Mark and his team. The Club is well aware that this is a difficult moment after over seven very successful years at the helm and this decision is not taken lightly."