Frank Lampard, the manager of Coventry City, has been honoured with the League Managers Association's Manager of the Year award after guiding the Sky Blues to a historic season. The former Chelsea coach led Coventry to the Championship title, ensuring their long-awaited return to the Premier League. His remarkable achievement also earned him a special congratulatory message from Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson.

Lampard wins top honour after Coventry’s promotion

The 47-year-old tactician was rewarded for his outstanding campaign with Coventry by being named LMA Manager of the Year. Lampard, who previously managed Chelsea and Everton, masterminded Coventry’s dominant run to the Championship title, sealing their first return to the Premier League since 2001.

His success in the dugout earned him the divisional Championship Manager of the Year award before he was further recognised with the prestigious Sir Alex Ferguson Trophy as the overall Manager of the Year. The awards ceremony, held in London, celebrated Lampard’s transformation of the Midlands club into a formidable force in the second tier.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s personal message

Although Sir Alex Ferguson was unable to attend the ceremony due to ongoing recovery from medical treatment earlier this month, the legendary former Manchester United boss ensured his thoughts were shared. England manager Thomas Tuchel took to the stage to present the award and read a personal letter from Ferguson addressed to Lampard.

Standing in for Ferguson, Tuchel conveyed his own well-wishes before reading the message. “It’s certainly not the same without Sir Alex here, and we all wish him a full and speedy recovery so that he can join us on stage again next year,” said the England manager. “Until then, I have the honour of reading this message to you, Frank.”

Ferguson’s letter read: “Dear Frank, heartfelt congratulations on being named LMA Manager of the Year. You should be immensely proud of what you and your team have achieved. The character and leadership you’ve shown as a manager are reflected in how your team has played – confident, composed, and full of self-belief. I have greatly enjoyed watching your side this season. From our conversations, I know you are humble and possess the vital curiosity for learning that great managers share. Winning this award will surely mean a lot to you, Frank, and I wish you every success in the Premier League next season.”

Arteta among the night’s other winners

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was another big winner during the event. Despite his preparation for the upcoming Champions League final, Arteta attended the ceremony with his coaching staff to collect the Premier League Manager of the Year award. He was shortlisted for the overall trophy alongside Pep Guardiola, Michael Carrick, Andoni Iraola, Keith Andrews, and Regis Le Bris.

Recognition across English football

The LMA awards also celebrated excellence across the women’s game and lower divisions of the English Football League. Manchester City’s Andree Jeglertz won the Women’s Super League Manager of the Year after guiding the team to a historic triumph that ended Chelsea’s six-year dominance, while Charlton’s Karen Hills claimed the WSL 2 honour.

In the men’s lower leagues, Lincoln City’s Michael Skubala received the League One Manager of the Year award, and Bromley’s Andy Woodman was recognised as the League Two Manager of the Year after leading his side to success. Nevertheless, the night ultimately belonged to Lampard, whose reputation has soared following Coventry City’s remarkable rise under his leadership at the Coventry Building Society Arena.