By Isaac Mission 

Coventry City manager Frank Lampard has admitted he is surprised that former midfielder Jamie Allen is still searching for a new club, despite leaving the Sky Blues at the end of last season.

The 31-year-old became a free agent in May after Coventry decided not to extend his contract as the club prepared for life in the Premier League. However, Lampard remains convinced that Allen has plenty to offer and believes he would be an excellent addition to another squad.

Allen is currently training with League Two side Rochdale to maintain his fitness while looking for his next opportunity. His preference is reportedly to remain in the Championship.

Speaking about the midfielder's situation, Lampard said he had kept in contact with Allen during the summer but had deliberately avoided asking too many questions about his personal circumstances.

The Coventry boss said he was surprised that no club had yet secured the player's services, pointing to both his footballing ability and professionalism.

Lampard particularly praised Allen's contribution during his time at Coventry, highlighting his influence in maintaining high standards within the squad and his reliability as a teammate.

According to Lampard, Allen consistently trained at a high level and performed effectively in several midfield roles, making him a versatile option for potential suitors.

The manager also acknowledged that Allen changed his own initial assessment of the player. Lampard admitted that he underestimated the midfielder when he first arrived at Coventry and was initially uncertain about how he would fit into the team.

That perception quickly changed once Allen established himself in the side. Lampard credited him as a key figure during Coventry's push from 17th place into the play-off positions and said he also made an important contribution during the club's promotion campaign last season.

With Allen still available on a free transfer, Lampard believes the midfielder could prove to be a valuable signing for a Championship club or another team looking for an experienced and dependable player.

For now, Allen continues to train and wait for the right opportunity to restart his playing career.