Coventry City manager Frank Lampard has clarified that veteran striker Patrick Bamford is training with the club as a gesture of professional support between old friends, not as a prospective new signing for the high-flying Championship side.
This explanation emerged Friday through English media reports, dispelling fan speculation that Bamford, a free agent, was being evaluated for a contract.
Lampard and Bamford formed a close friendship during their shared time at Chelsea.
Upon learning Bamford was seeking a new club, Lampard offered him training facilities at Coventry to aid his fitness and visibility to other teams.
Bamford, 32, spent eight years with Leeds United before leaving as a free agent at the end of last season. He has not yet secured a new deal.
Coventry City currently leads the Championship table with 25 points, having secured seven wins and four draws.
The club’s strong performance is due in part to its current attacking duo, Haji Wright and Brandon Thomas-Asante. Both forwards have been prolific this season, each scoring eight goals for a combined total of 16.
Lampard has expressed full confidence in his existing strikers, reinforcing that Bamford’s stay is not permanent. Fans had noticed the increased attention at training, fueled by the team’s strong league position.