PROMOTION IS 'RIGHT UP THERE' WITH WINNING THE LEAGUE TITLE

LAMPARD TELLS FANS BRINGING PREMIER LEAGUE FOOTBALL BACK TO THE CLUB IS UP THERE NOW

- By BRIAN DICK

FRANK Lampard says taking Coventry City supporters back into the Premier League is ‘right up there’ with winning the competition outright.

The 47-year-old was instrumental in ending the Sky Blues’ 25-year absence from the top flight, during which time he won the league three times as a Chelsea player.

He also lifted the FA Cup on four occasions and was a member of the Blues team which lifted the Champions League in 2012.

But winning the Championship title remains arguably his finest achievement as a manager, particularly because he felt the ‘responsibility’ of ending the club's long exile and the ‘suffering’ of the their fans.

“I was aware of Coventry growing up being a Premier League team but it was only when I joined the club did I realise the size of the fanbase, the passion in the city, the passion in the city for the football club,” Lampard said.

“The fans played a huge role and there's a real great connection I think between the players, myself and my staff and the fans and it’s been a real strength of ours.

“Whenever you have tough moments in games, they're there for the players, very strong in their backing for them.