Frank Lampard has been named the League Managers Association manager of the year after guiding Coventry back to the Premier League.
Lampard’s Sky Blues finished 11 points clear at the top of the Championship to clinch the title and return to the top flight for the first time since the 2000‑01 season.
The former England midfielder, who previously managed Derby, Everton and had two spells at Chelsea, received the Sir Alex Ferguson award from England manager Thomas Tuchel.
The award, named after the legendary Manchester United manager, is voted on by managers across the leagues and considers both success and the resources available.
Tuchel read a letter from Ferguson, praising Lampard’s Coventry side for “great football with confidence and belief.” He added, “I have enjoyed watching you. Best of luck in the Premier League next season.”
Other nominees included Brentford’s Keith Andrews, Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta, Aston Villa’s Unai Emery, Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola, Lincoln City’s Michael Skubala and Bromley’s Andy Woodman.
Manchester City’s Andree Jeglertz won the Women’s Super League award after leading them to the title. Arteta, who guided Arsenal to their first Premier League crown in 22 years, took the Premier League award, while Lampard secured the Championship equivalent.
Skubala earned the League One honour with Lincoln, Woodman claimed the League Two award with Bromley, and Karen Hills won the WSL2 award after promoting Charlton.
Steve Bruce and Martin O’Neill were inducted into the Hall of Fame after each reaching 1,000 games as managers.
The LMA accolade represents Lampard’s most significant individual honor in his coaching career. After a play‑off final loss with Derby in 2019, stints at Chelsea and Everton, and a brief caretaker spell at Chelsea, he led Coventry to become the Championship’s highest‑scoring side (97 goals) and the best‑defended team.
Recent non‑Premier League winners of the LMA top award include Chris Wilder with Sheffield United in 2019 and Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna in 2024.
