On the back of Derby County’s Championship play-off semi-final exit, Gary Rowett has chosen to fill the vacant manager’s position at Stoke following Paul Lambert’s departure.
Rumours began almost instantly about Frank Lampard entering management and taking over in the hot seat at Pride Park. These rumours have become stronger and it is being reported that the Chelsea legend is days away from being announced as the Rams’ new boss.
While he may have an incredible football brain, as he has shown in his brief punditry career and vast playing career, it is an inexperienced choice for the Championship side. Most promoted teams will say that the key to success is employing a manager who has done it all before, but Lampard could break that antiquated mould.
He is expected to take another Blues icon with him to the East Midlands as former Chelsea midfielder Jody Morris will join the coaching team should Lampard get the job. He would have to leave his current position as the under-18 head coach at Cobham, where the 39-year-old has had plenty of success winning the FA Youth Cup twice in a row as well as reaching a UEFA Youth League final.
The pair built up their relationship during their time at Stamford Bridge when they were both in their early 20s and Lampard wrote in his autobiography about Morris being one of the most promising youngsters he had the pleasure to play with. Rumours linking both London-born stars have started to increase excitement at Derby despite the lack of experience, especially as Jody Morris was an outsider to take over from Antonio Conte should he leave.
Fans of the Rams aren’t the only ones filled with hope at the news; Blues supporters are also excited to see how two of their own will fare as first-team coaches. Who knows, they might be occupying the technical area at the Bridge one day.
