Once homeless and in liquidation, Coventry seek 'fearless' PL return

Frank Lampard wants his Coventry side to be fearless as they approach their first Premier League campaign in 25 years; it's a sentiment echoed around the city as fans celebrate the long-awaited return to the top flight; watch Arsenal vs Coventry live on Sky Sports on Friday; kick-off 8pm

The groundswell of excitement in the city of Coventry is palpable. Frank Lampard's side play their first Premier League game in over 25 years at the home of champions Arsenal on Friday night, live on Sky Sports. Only four months ago fans were lining the streets to celebrate the Championship title.

But a lot has changed, not least Lampard himself. The 48-year-old, who last managed in the top flight with Chelsea three years ago, has matured since two uneasy spells at Stamford Bridge, sandwiched between a season at Everton. His approach calmer and more level-headed.

Friday's task, he believes, is one to savour, not fear, the message being: Bring it on. "I want to show in our performance and in how we approach the game that we haven't come into it with any kind of fear," Lampard said this week.

"The last thing I would want to have after a game against Arsenal - or any team like this - is a regret of our approach and that we didn't give it everything. If we can do that as a team, then we will compete in this league". Fighting talk.

The past 15 years have been a seemingly never-ending slog for all associated with Coventry City.

The one-city club from central England had been all but forgotten, placed into liquidation amid a protracted fight with hedge-fund owners who drove fans to the brink of madness. Coventry plunged into the fourth tier of the pyramid and lost their home during the struggle. There were two periods of exile to Northampton and then Birmingham, in fact.

The rise, fall and resurrection of a club that was once a founding member of the Premier League has been quite remarkable. Only fans of a certain generation will remember John Sillett and the 1987 FA Cup. The true glory days. What happened over the intervening years rather blurring such achievements.

But from the wilderness grows new life. Coventry have spent about £130m revamping their squad this summer, and spent well. Among their haul of newcomers is club-record signing Caleb Yirenkyi, goalkeeper Carl Rushworth from Brighton and young Fenerbahce striker Sidiki Cherif. All cost upwards of £20m. All bring quality and physicality.

Beyond new signings and their hopes of making a positive start for a side who have not tasted top-level football in a quarter of a century, Coventry's timing is also grounds for optimism. Those landing on the uninviting shores of the Premier League over the past few years have been met by waves of stern resistance.

Surviving in the Premier League became the impossible dream. In both 2023/24 and 2024/25 it was actually a lost cause. But Coventry arrive with prospects renewed by recent success stories.