Coventry City seal return to Premier League

Coventry City became the first Championship team to be promoted to the Premier League this season.

Frank Lampard’s side secured their return to the top division after 25 years with a 1-1 draw against Blackburn on Friday night.

Their promotion appeared to be delayed as the hosts seized the lead through Ryoya Morishita.

But Bobby Thomas rose late to head in a free-kick to get the point they needed to get over the line.

“I was happy with that one [the equaliser],” Lampard said. “This is a special night for the football club, which is bigger than all of us.”

The Sky Blues’ lowest ebb came when they dropped into the fourth tier in 2017 but they have fought their way back and, after losing to Luton in the playoff final in 2023, have stormed the Championship under Lampard this season to secure their Premier League return with three matches to spare.