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Important update on 1476AMCoventry return to Premier League after long absence
AP • April 18th, 2026 11:18 am
Coventry City have gone 11 points clear in the Championship and have secured promotion to the EPL | Photo: AP
Coventry City clinched a return to the Premier League for the first time since 2001 after drawing at Blackburn Rovers 1-1 in the Championship.
Frank Lampard's men were second best for much of the game but one point was enough to secure a historic return to the top tier.
Blackburn winger Ryoya Morishita put the home side ahead after 54 minutes but Bobby Thomas equalised six minutes from time to the delight of the visiting fans.
Coventry City's Bobby Thomas celebrates scoring their goal against Blackburn | Photo: AP
The result put Coventry 11 points clear of second-placed Ipswich Town and 13 ahead of third-placed Millwall.
The top two go up automatically, while the teams from third to sixth take part in a playoff to see which other club will join them.
Lampard's side have looked a good bet for promotion for the entire season with what is both the best attack and the stingiest defence.
They were in the top flight for 34 years from 1967-2001 but their only major trophy was the FA Cup in 1987.
Friday's result left Blackburn in 16th, three places and five points above the relegation zone.
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