Frank Lampard shares view on proposed Championship play-off expansion

Frank Lampard backs Championship play-off expansion as chance for smaller clubs

Frank Lampard believes expanding the play-off system in the EFL Championship could help create a fairer opportunity for clubs chasing promotion.

The English Football League recently confirmed plans to widen the play-off structure, increasing the number of participating teams from four to six. The new format will begin in the 2026/27 season and will allow sides finishing as low as eighth place to compete for promotion to the Premier League.

Lampard has experienced the highs and lows of the play-offs during his managerial career. He guided Derby County to the play-off final in the 2018/19 season but fell short of promotion. More recently, his Coventry City side also suffered disappointment after being knocked out in the semi-finals in extra time last season.

The Coventry head coach said he is generally comfortable with the proposed change, suggesting it could benefit clubs that struggle to match the financial power of teams recently relegated from the top flight.

“I don’t mind it,” Lampard said. “I’m not strongly for or against it. We were asked our opinions at one point, but I knew I wouldn’t be the one making the final decision, so it was more a case of waiting to see what happened.”

He added that the change might improve competition within the league by giving more teams a realistic path to promotion.

“With the level of competition in the league, it might actually be a good thing,” he explained. “It gives more teams the chance to reach the Premier League.”

Lampard also pointed to the financial gap between clubs in the Championship and those receiving parachute payments after relegation from the Premier League.

“We know there’s a big difference financially between Premier League clubs and those in the Championship, especially the parachute teams who come down with stronger resources,” he said.

“If this change gives clubs without that kind of backing a better chance to get promoted, then that’s a positive. If I had to lean one way, I’d say it’s probably a good move because it opens up opportunities for more teams.”