FOOTBALL – Sky Sports pundit expects Coventry City to challenge at ‘top end of table’ next season
Don Goodman Tips Coventry City to Challenge for Championship Promotion Next Season
Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman has tipped Coventry City to be serious contenders at the top end of the Championship table next season, following their heart-wrenching play-off exit at the hands of Sunderland.
The Sky Blues endured a bitter disappointment in the play-off semi-finals, falling to Sunderland in a dramatic and emotional contest. Despite dominating possession across both legs of the tie, Coventry were ultimately undone by a late extra-time goal—virtually the last touch of the second leg—that sealed their fate and dashed hopes of a return to Wembley. Sunderland would go on to secure promotion to the Premier League with a victory over Sheffield United in the play-off final.
However, Goodman believes that the heartbreak will only serve to fuel Coventry’s ambitions going into the 2025/26 campaign. Speaking to FruityKing, the respected Sky Sports EFL analyst highlighted the strength of the team under manager Frank Lampard and the promise they’ve shown throughout the season.
“What happened against Sunderland will provide Frank Lampard, Doug King, and the whole of Coventry City with incredible motivation for next season,” said Goodman. “It was a cruel way to lose, especially after controlling so much of the tie, but sometimes that kind of setback becomes the spark for something bigger.”
Goodman went on to say that preparations for the next campaign will already be well underway at the club, with the summer transfer window presenting Lampard a crucial opportunity to reshape the squad to match his vision.
“The plans for next season will have already been in place before the play-offs,” he explained. “I think Frank Lampard will be backed in pre-season. He’ll be given a chance to mould the team into how he wants it to look, which is what we probably saw over the two legs in terms of controlling games and dictating the tempo.”
Coventry’s performance in the play-offs was marked by impressive midfield control and tactical discipline, but a lack of cutting edge in front of goal proved costly. Goodman noted that a clinical striker might have been the missing piece in an otherwise strong squad.
“City were probably an in-form striker away from getting to Wembley,” he added. “They created chances, kept the ball well, and managed large spells of the game, but just lacked that decisive final touch.”
Despite the disappointment, there is growing optimism around the Coventry fanbase and among pundits that the club is on the right trajectory. Under the guidance of Lampard, and with strong backing from owner Doug King, Coventry appear well-positioned to mount another promotion push.
“They’ve got the foundations of a really good Championship team who, I have no doubts, will be challenging at the top end of the Championship table next season,” Goodman concluded.
With the pain of play-off defeat still fresh, Coventry City now look ahead to the future—determined to channel their frustration into success and continue their journey back to the Premier League.
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