Frank Lampard made his debut for West Ham United against Coventry City. He came on for John Moncur in the 80th minute, which was the same time that Coventry were bringing on Gordon Strachan. There is an iconic picture of Lampard, Strachan, and Harry Redknapp, which is up in the now Coventry manager's office at their training ground.
The match at Upton Park back in 1996 finished 2-1 to West Ham thanks to a winner from Iain Dowie. Lampard would go on to play 187 times for the Hammers, scoring 38 goals and providing 18 assists. However, it was not the happiest time for the player. Due to Redknapp, being his uncle and his father Frank Lampard Sr., also being on the coaching staff, there were accusations of nepotism.
When Lampard moved to Chelsea, West Ham fans would subject him to a lot of abuse. He became a Chelsea man and is now synonymous with the club. He won the Premier League three times and the Champions League whilst at Stamford Bridge. His list of honors at West Ham consists of just the Intertoto Cup.
Frank Lampard could lead Coventry City to the Premier League
It was a full-circle moment when Lampard took charge of Coventry. After retiring from playing, Lampard did a good job in charge of Derby County who he took to the Championship playoff final. They lost to Aston Villa that day. However, Lampard impressed enough to become Chelsea's manager.
Despite having a transfer ban, Lampard ensured a top-four finish in his first season in charge of Chelsea. However, things unraveled in his second season, and he was sacked. Thomas Tuchel replaced Lampard, and he went on to win the Champions League.
Lampard then managed Everton, whom he kept in the Premier League before being shown the door. This followed a difficult spell in caretaker charge of Chelsea, where he won just one of his 11 games back in the Stamford Bridge dugout.
Back in the Championship with Coventry has been a good fit for Lampard. He took them to the playoffs last season, where they lost to Sunderland in the semi-finals. Now Lampard has the Sky Blues top of the division, with a real chance of taking them back to the Premier League.