Frank Lampard had to make himself heard above a deafening Coventry City crowd as he paid tribute to all the people who made promotion to the Premier League possible. Lampard was handed the microphone on the pitch at the CBS Arena after Coventry beat Wrexham and then lifted the trophy as Championship champions, returning to the top flight for the first time in 25 years. It is a day in the sunshine to cap a remarkable season and an incredible journey over the last few years, climbing up from League Two back into the big time via no little off-pitch drama. The last promotion, from League One in 2020, had been sealed during lockdown which meant there couldn’t be a party but a packed house is making up for it this time around. “The first thing I must say is that it shouldn’t just be thanks to me. It’s thanks to so many people,” said Lampard. “The first I want to thank are in this incredible group of players standing there. We came together 16 months ago and we’ve added players along the way. Everyone who has come in has added something, whether it’s minutes or training or in the dressing room. This group is an amazing bunch of lads everybody. Talented, together. “Can I also thank every member of staff working behind the scenes. They don’t get the credit of the people you can watch every week but they are as important in the work they do behind the scenes. The support, the hours, the work – thank you to everyone. “Can I make a particular thank you to the staff I work closely with, Joe (Edwards) and Chris (Jones), who came here together. And I can’t forget super John Dempster, the set-piece guru. Set-piece again olé olé. “A massive thank you to Dean Austin, who has recruited these brilliant players with a lot of graft, experience and talent. “And then to this man here, Doug King. Please don’t sing his name, he loves all this! “I’m sorry if I’ve missed anyone out but I can’t miss out my wife who’s standing over there. Family is massive. All the wives, partners, children, parents of these players support them and get them through the year. Thank you so much, I appreciate it. “Then the biggest thing is that a football club is only as big as the people who support it. You’ve supported it… [drowned out by a chant of Sky Blue Army ]. “You’ve been down a lot. You’ve been to different stadiums. You’ve followed this team, other teams, all the teams because when you’re born this way you’re never going to change, right? When you’ve gone through everything. “I’ve got to say that one of the biggest pleasures we get as a group is giving you the joy of this moment. This moment is yours.” FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK! Get more Coventry City news and analysis via our FB page Every day, the CoventryLive football desk strive to deliver all manner of news, features and transfer-related stories as a part of our overall package of Coventry City content. Our dedicated reporter Andy Turner – who you can follow on X – follows the Sky Blues home and away and offers you comprehensive coverage from matchdays, press conferences and everything that happens in between. So much happens day to day and sometimes you can struggle to keep on top of the very latest updates as and when they occur – that’s why we have produced a daily newsletter which you can sign up to, for free, and which means you’ll have a round-up of the key stories land in your email inbox. You can also get all your favourite content from CoventryLive’s Sky Blues team on WhatsApp. Sign up for breaking updates about the biggest stories in and around the club.