Alan Shearer agrees with Doug King and pays Frank Lampard tribute

Alan Shearer agrees with Doug King and his insistence Coventry City’s Premier League survival prospects are ‘not just about spending money’.

The former England captain says the Sky Blues will have to open their cheque-book to stay up next season – and cites bitter rivals Sunderland as something of a model to follow.

But a day after King warned he is not going to lavish ‘zillions and trillions’ in the summer, Shearer echoed the owner’s conviction that City need to look for value rather than simply assuming cost equates to quality.

Shearer told Betfair: “I hope Frank Lampard keeps Coventry in the Premier League next season. It takes courage to drop down to the Championship to prove himself again and he has done just that.

“They had a little wobble a few months ago but came through it. It all depends on recruitment now. They are going to have to spend, it can be done, we've seen it done with so many clubs now. Sunderland are a fine example of that, as much as it pains me to say.

“They are a great example of spending, bringing players in and doing things right. Whether they can do that again next season, we'll have to wait and see. That has to be an aim for Coventry.

“I know Burnley have found the transition really tough this year, and they spent money. it's not just about spending money; it's about the recruitment.

“The experience from the last few seasons will have done Lampard the world of good heading back into the Premier League.

“He has shown great courage in doing what he's done in being prepared to go down to the Championship again. It's been a great decision of his.

“He has had a great reaction from his players and the owners at Coventry. He deserves it, and I hope he can keep them up, because that would be a remarkable achievement.”

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The Coventry Telegraph has produced a stunning special edition marking the achievements of Frank Lampard and his men.

And to celebrate, the Coventry Telegraph has produced this stunning 48-page special edition marking the achievements of Frank Lampard and his men.

Since relegation in 2001, the Sky Blues have gone through many well-documented lows, but a quarter of a century later, free-scoring City have earned promotion in emphatic style.

And our bumper special edition is the perfect souvenir to remember that fantastic achievement by.

We'll have match reports, pics, and reaction from every kick of City's journey back to English football's promised land.

It's all here... the avalanche of goals pre-Christmas that made promotion look nailed on, the brief wobble that followed, and the revival under Lampard to consolidate their position at the top of the table.

Plus, Sky Blues writer Andy Turner will have pages and pages of in-depth analysis on the title-winning season, manager Lampard's success, key players, and what lies ahead for the club in the top flight.

Club historian Jim Brown will also share his fact-filled take on promotion, while there will be pictures and reports from the Sky Blues' joyful promotion celebrations.

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.