FRANK Lampard insists the job is not done yet as Coventry City look to secure a play-off spot on the final day of the Championship season.
The Sky Blues head into the final game of the campaign sixth in the table – inside the play-off places on goal difference.
And City know victory against fellow play-off hopefuls Middlesbrough would all but guarantee a top-six finish.
A draw could also be enough but defeat would end Coventry’s hopes of finishing in the play-offs.
And Lampard admits he did not believe the club would embark on a charge for the play-offs when taking over a Sky Blues side down in 17th place back in November.
Lampard said: “We’ve given ourselves an opportunity which is great, but clearly the job isn’t done yet.
“At that point [when I took over] I wasn’t sure and to be sat in 17th and claim we’re going to make the play-offs.
“I think that would have been a big stretch and did I believe it, probably no, in terms of I’m experienced enough to know there’s a lot of work to be done and there’s a reason why you’re 17th.
“You want to move up the table and it was step-by-step. That has been the ride that we’ve been on.”
However, a run of 10 wins in 12 games from mid-January to mid March transformed Coventry’s season and propelled the club into the play-off places.
The Sky Blues are one of five clubs hoping to secure a play-off spot on the final day.
Despite losing their last two matches against relegation-threatened Luton Town and Plymouth Argyle, City hold a four-goal advantage over closest rivals Millwall.
Blackburn Rovers and Middlesbrough can also finish in the top-six but the Sky Blues know victory against the latter side on the final day would all but guarantee a play-off spot.
City’s closest challengers Millwall face a trip to already-promoted Burnley who could win the title if Leeds United slip up at Plymouth Argyle.
And Blackburn travel to Sheffield United with the Blades guaranteed to finish third in the table.
Bristol City sit just one point above Coventry and play relegation-threatened Preston North End who need a win to guarantee safety.
The Robins could drop out of the top-six if they fail to win but will secure a fifth-place finish with a victory.
City’s final day opponents Middlesbrough are two points outside of the play-off spots and must win at the Coventry Building Society Arena to have any chance of finishing in the top-six.
And Lampard insists the Sky Blues faithful can inspire his side to victory and help secure a place in the play-offs.
Lampard added: “It is [essentially a play-off game], there’s no point in hiding what’s on the game, it’s very clear, it’s in our hands, but it’s a really tough match.
“We have to focus absolutely on the opponent and what we want to do, as we do every week and keep a pretty clear head going into the game.
“There will be different permutations on it, on the day and we will have to be aware of that because there’s a lot that can change.
“The fans will play a huge part, we’re very thankful and we don’t take it for granted, we know they will be there and it’s a great inspiration for the lads and for myself.
“It’s part of the strength of this football club, our fan base home and away and we will want to deliver for them, and I know they’ll be trying to help us.”
