FOOTBALL - Coventry City head coach Frank Lampard gives verdict on Championship play-offs expansion - The Coventry Observer
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FOOTBALL - Coventry City head coach Frank Lampard gives verdict on Championship play-offs expansion

Aaron Sutcliffe 6th Mar, 2026 Updated: 6th Mar, 2026   0

COVENTRY City head coach Frank Lampard believes an expanded play-off format could help level the playing field in the Championship.

The English Football League (EFL) recently confirmed plans to expand the Championship play-offs from four teams to six.

The changes will take effect from the 2026/27 campaign and will mean teams who finish as low as eighth will have a chance to secure promotion to the Premier League.

Lampard previously suffered play-off final heartbreak in charge of Derby County in the 2018/19 season.

The Sky Blues boss also lost in the play-offs with Coventry last season as City suffered a cruel semi-final exit in extra time.

And Coventry boss Lampard feels the move will benefit clubs unable to compete with those who have just come down from the top flight.




Lampard said: “I don’t mind it. I’m not swung either way too much really. We were asked opinions at one point.

“I’m okay with it. I’m sat in the middle. I knew I wouldn’t make the decision so it was one just to wait and see.


“For the competition in the league, maybe it’s a good thing. To give more teams the opportunity to get to the Premier League.

“We know the discrepancy between the money in the Premier League, the parachute teams and how much strength they have when they come down to the Championship.

“To give some other teams, who don’t have the financial backing the others do, the opportunity to get there.

“If I was going to swing one way, it would be more that this is good because it gives some opportunity to others.”

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