Coventry City

In the final part of Rob Gurney and Will Oelrich's Coventry Q&A, they focus on the benefit of few Coventry players featuring at the World Cup and away-day experiences.

Gareth asked: Do you think the fact so few City players were involved in the World Cup compared with other Premier League teams could give us a real edge at the start and perhaps at the end when fatigue may set in for other teams who have players who have had little rest?

Will: I get your point and to an extent I agree. But the fitness levels required to play in the Premier League now are miles above what they used to be.

Players are such elite athletes that they can build sharpness quickly, and most keep themselves in top condition throughout the off‑season. It might affect the opening couple of games and especially for those returning late from the World Cup where we might see reduced minutes for some rather than full 90s but with the standards as high as they are, it won't take long for them to catch up.

Where it may play a part is later on in the season. Teams juggling Europe and cup competitions, playing three times in a week, will have to rotate and that's where the Sky Blues could capitalise. It all depends on the club's focus: is it purely about staying in the Premier League, or is there appetite to chase something in the cups?

Frank Lampard has been crystal clear about fitness from day one. When he arrived, he made it a non‑negotiable, and it's something he's passionate about. It'll be a major factor in how he manages the squad heading into the new season.

• Back Where We Belong - a six-part documentary charting Coventry's 25-year journey back to the Premier League. Listen on BBC Sounds here

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Glenn asked: What's your favourite away day covering Coventry City and what's your worst one?

Rob: These sort of questions are always impossible with just one answer! For obvious reasons, for what it meant, Blackburn last season now leaps to the top of my list. So many incredible memories generated that night; to be treasured for a lifetime.

Honourable mentions must go, though, to White Hart Lane 1997, the Greatest Escape, and Villa Park in both 1998 and 99. But I'm lucky enough to have seen City win away at all the top clubs over the years, the first time around, and hopefully there are a few more treats in store in the coming months.

Villa Park again features in my "worst" category, 2001. Say no more. But also Sheffield United in the FA Cup quarter-final replay in 1998. Losing on penalties.

I'm still convinced we'd have beaten Newcastle in the semi-final at Old Trafford, and who knows then in a one-off game against Arsenal in the final? As Frank Lampard says, though, you need to experience the bitter disappointments to appreciate it fully when the good times come around.

Scroll down to read the rest of the Q&A.

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The third part of a special Q&A with BBC CWR's Rob Gurney and Will Oelrich looks at one defender's future and the potential starting XI for the season opener against Arsenal.

Harry asked: Do you think Miguel Angel Brau has a future at Coventry City?

Will: It's been a tough spell for the Spanish left‑back. Miguel has managed just 11 appearances for the Sky Blues, with only three starts, during that time and promotion to the Premier League will squeeze his minutes even further.

Jay Dasilva was outstanding last season and it's hard to see him being dislodged. Meanwhile, Jake Bidwell is entering the final year of his deal - he could seek regular football elsewhere or be happy to provide cover along the backline next season with the acceptance of minimal game time.

That's why another left‑back arriving to provide competition for Dasilva wouldn't surprise me. Miguel only signed a four‑year contract 12 months ago, so a loan move feels far more likely than a permanent exit. At 24, he needs games - and a season in League One might be exactly what he needs

• Listen to Sky Blues Fancast Live every Monday and Friday at 18:00 and subscribe to the Coventry City page on BBC Sounds

Allan asked: Who in the current squad could or should be in the line-up against Arsenal?

Rob: If a deal is done for Carl Rushworth, he would be one - off the back of his outstanding Championship title/Golden Glove-winning season.

Milan van Ewijk is someone whose athleticism looks to be suited to the much higher level.

I've always been a big Jack Rudoni fan and despite his injury problems last season, by the time he returned towards the end of the campaign, he showed what a talented player he is. He could display those qualities in the Premier League.

Matt Grimes and Frank Onyeka deserve the chance to show they can be the midfield pivot in the top division.

I like the look of both Tats Sakamoto and Ephron Mason-Clark, too.

The biggest issue is up front because it's certainly debatable whether Haji Wright or Ellis Simms have what it takes to be a Premier League number nine.

That's a question Frank Lampard is no doubt pondering as well.

Come back later on Friday for the final part of the Q&A, which will focus on any benefit of Coventry not having many players at the World Cup.

Image source, Getty Images

Plenty of players have made names for themselves at this World Cup, from goalkeepers like Cape Verde's Vozinha and Paraguay's Orlando Gill to New Zealand midfielder Elijah Just.

But though they might not have been familiar to fans, the extent of modern scouting means clubs all over the world will already have known about many of them – so how have their heroics at the tournament affected their standing in the game, and their value in the transfer market?

More than the Score's Mani Djazmi is joined Ben Littlemore from Transfermarkt, one of the world's foremost football databases. Lutz Pfannenstiel, sporting director at Aberdeen, also shares his footballing knowledge in today's episode.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

In the second part of our Coventry Q&A, BBC CWR sports editor Rob Gurney and reporter Will Oelrich focus on the Sky Blues' prospective summer transfer business.

Patrick asked: How many signings do you think Frank Lampard needs to make for us to be competitive week in, week out in the Premier League?

Rob: That's always an interesting debating point, isn't it? When I spoke to him a few days ago, for the first time since the end of last season, he told me it was a case of striking a balance between giving the players who'd got the club promoted an opportunity, but also recognising that the squad does need strengthening to not make it a constant struggle.

He wouldn't have signed his new three-year contract if he hadn't had some concrete assurances about recruitment. I would say four or five new faces are needed - certainly no fewer than that.

• Lampard signs new contract to 2029

Warren asked: Why are we waiting so long for new signings?

Will: The World Cup has been the biggest drag on transfer activity across both the Premier League and the EFL. Players rarely move while on international duty and clubs tend to wait until the tournament wraps before pushing deals over the line.

Now that it's coming towards an end, we should finally see some movement - and hopefully in the right direction for Coventry. It'll be the same story with departures.

A few players are likely to leave the CBS Arena, but you'd expect arrivals to come first as Lampard starts shaping his squad for 2026-27. It's likely transfers will go right to the wire, including on deadline day on Monday, 31 August, when the window closes at 23:00 BST.

Keep across this page on Friday for parts three and four, which will look at subjects including Miguel Angel Brau's future and the starting XI for the season opener against Arsenal.

Coventry are set to sign 22-year-old Switzerland defender Aurele Amenda from Eintracht Frankfurt in a £17m deal. (Bild via SportWitness, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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We asked you to send in your questions for BBC CWR sports editor Rob Gurney and reporter Will Oelrich. In the first part of a special Q&A, they focus on expectations going into Coventry's first Premier League season since 2000-2001.

Barrie asked: What are the board'' expectations for the coming season?

Rob: I definitely think staying in the Premier League is the minimum requirement this season, and in every interview I've seen or heard Doug King do, that's what he's always said.

He also made a big play of doing it "the Cov way" and not doing what Sunderland did and basically sign a whole new team, although you could argue that massively paid off for them as they had an outstanding first season back, culminating in European football. We all know from cautionary tales that it's just as easy to waste £100m as spend it wisely.

• Get all the latest Coventry content by subscribing to this dedicated feed on BBC Sounds

Diane asked: Where do you see us in the Premier League at Christmas? I think we could be at least 12th but it would take more players to come in.

Will: Anywhere 17th and above would be a solid return. As we sit here at the start of July, with no incomings through the door, it's tough to pin down exactly what this squad is capable of.

What will shape the Premier League is the sheer volume of European football - nine clubs juggling midweek fixtures, long travel and the reality of three‑game weeks. That's where sides like Crystal Palace and Sunderland could face a real test as to whether they can sustain this across the 2026-27 season. Time will tell.

Christmas will be the true halfway marker and give us a clearer read, but as Europe and the domestic cups roll on, squads will stretch and players will tire - and that's exactly where the Sky Blues could find an edge if they put all their eggs in one basket and focus on the Premier League.

Keep across this page on Friday for parts two, three and four of the Q&A, which will look at subjects including summer recruitment and how Frank Lampard should manage his squad.

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Haji Wright's disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign has come to an end following the United States defeat to Belgium in the last 16.

And while the USA are left to ponder where it all went wrong in Seattle, Coventry supporters are left scratching their heads as to why Mauricio Pochettino even bothered to take striker Wright.

Wright featured in two of USA's five matches and played for a combined total of just two minutes, coming on as a last-minute substitute against Australia and Belgium.

Following a Championship title winning campaign - in which Wright scored 17 times - he touched the ball just twice at the World Cup.

It was a no-doubt frustrating tournament for Wright which was a stark contrast to the role he played in Qatar 2022.

Under Gregg Berhalter, Wright made his senior national team debut in June 2022 and was named in the winter World Cup squad just a few months later.

Wright appeared in all four matches in Qatar, making one start and three substitute appearances, and played a total of 135 minutes. The USA exited the competition in the last 16 that year following a 3-1 defeat to the Netherlands, but Wright was their only scorer on that occasion.

Fast forward to this summer and the USA had a lot of attacking options for this home World Cup.

But Wright was still expected to be named in the 26-man squad based on his previous 19 caps, his successful club season at Coventry and Patrick Agyemang's absence due to a ruptured Achilles tendon.

He was not widely expected to start for the USA, but many would have thought his cameos would have equated to more than just two minutes.

Folarin Balogun is Pochettino's first choice striker, with the Monaco man playing a total of 314 minutes at the 2026 competition.

PSV's Ricardo Pepi is second in line and played alongside Balogun against Australia. Pepi was chosen to lead the line against Turkey in the final group game when they had already sealed first place qualifying spot.

Pochettino opted to rest players who were on yellow cards in that match, meaning just three of the 11 players in the first XI had started a World Cup match before - but even still Wright remained on the bench.

Now that the USA have been knocked out, Wright is expected to return to Coventry City for pre-season at the end of July.

His World Cup experience may be over before it even began, but Frank Lampard will no doubt be pleased his striker has come back injury-free and ready for the new Premier Legaue season.

It is less than 50 days until the start of the new season - and for Coventry City that marks a new era in the Premier League.

The Sky Blues are yet to make their first signing of the summer but there has been plenty going on around the club, with the 1987-inspired kit release coinciding with the Cov Store opening and Frank Lampard also signing a new long-term contract.

There is lots to discuss, so BBC CWR sports editor Rob Gurney and reporter Will Oelrich will be on hand to answer your questions later this week.

What do you want to know about the Sky Blues right now?

Get in touch with your questions here

A new edition of BBC CWR's Sky Blues Fancast is now available.

Will Oelrich talks to Coventry supporters about the new kit and COV Store, as well as England's progress at the World Cup.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and subscribe to the dedicated Coventry City page to get all Sky Blues audio content.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked your views on which free agents Coventry City could target this summer.

Here are some of your comments:

Freddie: First, I would push to sign John Stones on a free. He would be an excellent addition with bags of experience to that backline. Secondly, I would avoid trying to bring in someone like Lois Openda, who is neither worth the price tag nor the kind of number nine we need.

Joanne: I would have loved CCFC to sign Kieran Trippier, but it looks like he'll stay at Wolves, even though he didn't seem pleased that they sacked Rob Edwards! So thinking I'd like Stones.

Paz: Yves Bissouma all day! The others are a bit old and the wage demands wouldn't justify it, whereas Bissouma is still in his 20s and has a lot too offer. His standards dropped last season during a very poor campaign for Spurs, but put him in the right environment with the right manager and I think he can do really well. Obviously he'd be back-up to Super Matty Grimes.

Jonathan: I hope the Sky Blues are able to sign a player who has played in the Premier League for quite some time. Someone who has perhaps won trophies and can bring leadership and vital experience. Someone who the younger players can look up to and think... yes, I want to play alongside him, I want to learn from him. It would be someone who still loves the game, who can really buy into the project and season, and who wants to help to take this great football club forward even more.

John: Stones would be a brilliant addition for us, but I don't think we can afford his wages.

Image source, Getty Images

We're now well into the knockout rounds of the biggest World Cup ever and we want to know who has grabbed your attention - especially with the summer transfer window open since 15 June.

Which player has raised your eyebrows? Who has exceeded your expectations? Has there been a player you had no knowledge of consistently impress you?

Ultimately, who would you realistically like to see lining up for your team in the Premier League next season?

This is your opportunity to show off your talent-spotting skills - the floor (pitch) is yours...

Tell us the players you want, with your reasoning, here

Enjoy the World Cup across BBC Sport

Image source, BBC Sport

From live TV coverage to highlights, analysis and reaction, our dedicated team will ensure you don't miss a kick of the biggest World Cup yet.

And there's more - the BBC has launched live match updates so you can see the score directly on your lock screen through the full 90 minutes and beyond.

This means you can keep track of every game wherever you are - whether you're on the move, at work, or away from a TV. With live match updates on your lock screen, the score is always just a glance away.

This feature will also extend into the 2026-27 Premier League season, so you're never out of the loop.

• Simple steps to set up live lock screen match updates from the World Cup

• How to get Premier League score updates

A new predictor game has been introduced to cover this year's World Cup, allowing users to pick what they think will be the result from every match.

The game also features streaks, so make sure to check in each day and make your predictions.

• Play World Cup Predictor here (UK users only)

Ever wanted to see a World Cup match from every angle? How about a full-pitch tactical view? Or even see the match through the eyes of a player?

Well, now you can with Fifa World Cup 3D Experience, which is a UK-first that is only available on BBC Sport.

The interactive game experience gives viewers more choice to explore the match both in real time, highlights and full-match replays.

• Head here to get started

Finally, here are some more handy links:

• How to follow the World Cup across the BBC

• All the highlights and best video

• Beat the time difference and catch up on everything without any spoilers

• Take a dive into each of the 48 squads here

• Play our World Cup quizzes

We have been asking you questions about Coventry all summer. Our latest is a two-pronged query...

First, is there anyone on the free transfer list you think makes sense or is realistic as a signing?

Mohamed Salah, John Stones, Solly March, Fabinho, Leon Goretzka, Dusan Vlahovic, Daichi Kamada and Yves Bissouma are just some of the names currently available - and you can see a list here of the 15 free agents involved at the World Cup.

And secondly, is there a player the Sky Blues are constantly linked with but you hope they never sign? If so, who and why?

Get in touch with your views here

Coventry City released their 2026-27 home kit this week and the creative director of Hummel, Rob Revell, has shared the little details that have gone into the nostalgic strip.

Revell explains the "modern homage" paid to Coventry's 1987 FA Cup winners and how they got the emotion from the famous day onto the shirt.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and subscribe to the dedicated Coventry City page to get all Sky Blues audio content.

Image source, Getty Images

Coventry have announced the promotion of Dean Austin from head of recruitment to sporting director as they prepare for their Premier League return.

Former Tottenham and Crystal Palace defender Austin had been in his previous role since 2002 and will now oversee all the Sky Blues' football and recruitment.

Ex-Spurs and Brighton scout Jamie Johnson has also changed jobs, moving from head of scouting to the head of recruitment role vacated by Austin.

Meanwhile, Sal Bibbo has joined Frank Lampard's backroom staff as goalkeeping coach from Rangers, having previously worked at Arsenal. He replaces Aled Williams, who has left the club after seven years.

Coventry City head coach Frank Lampard says they will "carry on with the spirit" shown in 2025-26 and "add quality" where possible for the new Premier League season.

Speaking at the launch of the new COV Store, Lampard told BBC CWR: "Our level needs to go up now so we're going to try to do that straight away.

"We've seen teams go up and some spend a lot of money and go down, some spend a lot of money and stay up. There's different versions of doing it.

"We want to and are going to have to strengthen the squad where we can. That's for us to keep close to our chest now.

"The players that are here deserve a chance in the Premier League because they are the ones that got us here, but there will be opportunities to challenge those players with others and help us in the league."

On Coventry's first game of the season being against reigning champions Arsenal, Lampard added: "We will put the work in now to be ready. We know every game is difficult in the Premier League.

"Arsenal will be a big test for us, but it's something we have to go into with positivity.

"Over the course of the season we won't be defined by the result against Arsenal, so why not go with a positive feeling, take on the game and do the best we can?"

Listen to more from Lampard below or on BBC Sounds

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Coventry City hosted a launch party for the new COV store on Wednesday before the official opening to the public on Thursday morning.

Players, staff and a select number of invited guests were the first ones to view the new 2026-27 home kit in person whilst also experience everything the two-floor store has to offer.

Sky Blues midfielder Jack Rudoni described the COV store as "amazing," before adding "the new kit is looking nice".

Coventry's number five even had a brief stint behind the till, interacting with supporters who were one of the first to get their hands on the 1987 inspired shirt.

Reflecting on the opening of the COV store, owner Doug King said: "We have thrown quite a lot of money at it, like anything when things need to be done properly.

"I'm really happy with it. The space is hugely deceptive.

"I've managed to do it because I got the stadium."

The launch came just 24 hours after head coach Frank Lampard signed a new deal that will keep him at the club until 2029.

"I chose Lampard, but he chose the project," added King. "He could have gone to other places.

"I think he has fallen in love with where he is.

"The boys [players] are thrilled the deal is over the line and they are thrilled to give it a proper go in the Premier League."

Rudoni echoed King's words to BBC CWR, describing the anticipation of the new season as a "tingle of excitement".

"I can't wait to get out there and show everyone what I can do," he said. "I go by not fearing anyone. We're all on the same pitch for a reason so there's no reason why I can't show my ability. There's no reason not to show why we deserve to be there as a team.

"We're not just going there to survive, we're going there to make the statement that Coventry are back in the Premier League."

Listen to Rudoni's full interview on BBC Sounds

Hit play below to hear more from King, or listen here on BBC Sounds

The final episode of Back Where We Belong starts with problems with the pitch at the now-renamed Coventry Building Society Arena (CBS Arena) after the Commonwealth Games rugby sevens in 2022 - and stadium owners Wasps going into administration and eventually liquidation.

Fans also started to get whispers that owner SISU was thinking about selling the club and, in November that year, it did, to Warwickshire-based businessman Doug King, who bought SISU's remaining stake in January 2023.

King's takeover brings change quickly - the departure of Mark Robins and hiring of Frank Lampard followed by the stadium purchase of the Ricoh, now the CBS Arena, putting it back into Coventry City FC's control.

For fans, what comes next is a blur of celebration: packed stands, electric atmospheres and a city rediscovering its voice. Helped by indie rock band The Enemy's track, We'll Live And Die In These Towns.

The documentary ends with Coventry drawing with Blackburn Rovers on the evening of Friday, 17 April 2026 at Ewood Park to guarantee promotion to the Premier League after a 25-year absence.

Hit play above to hear the sixth episode or listen here on BBC Sounds

Explore the whole series here

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on Frank Lampard signing a new deal to remain as Coventry boss until 2029.

Here are some of your comments:

Michael: I have been a Sky Blue for 60 years. I saw them go up under Jimmy Hill, standing in front of the children's barrier at the Kop End. Robins and Vavish got the ball rolling for the beleaguered club and Lampard finished it off by getting promoted. Lampard is one of the best coaches around. We are lucky to have him. I remember Jimmy Hill asking for backing on achieving promotion to Div 1 - he never got it and went to work on TV. I think Doug King is backing Lampard and that is why he is staying.

Marwan: Definitely he was the right man. And I believe that he can make history with the Sky Blues in the coming seasons. I can be sure that they are going to play in the Champions League soon. He and Doug King together with the great team members have the harmony and chemistry to achieve their (and our) goals.

Pat: Fixtures out! Lampard signs! New strip! Can't wait. It's starting to feel real, even with a slight bit of apprehension!

Coventry City are set to make Switzerland and Eintracht Frankfurt defender Aurele Amenda, 22, their first signing following their Premier League return. (Talksport), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, Coventry City

Coventry City have launched their 2026-27 home kit and fans have been reacting on BBC Radio CWR.

Supporter Ricky is happy to be back in the stripes from 1987 and disputes the concerns that the colour isn't sky blue enough, while another fan Adam says they'll be waiting until the shirt is on sale at the end of the season.

Click play below to get the full reaction or listen on BBC Sounds here