It seems that Derby County already have someone on their mind should Frank Lampard leave for Chelsea.
Lee Bowyer tops Derby’s list to replace Lampard as their new manager if he decides to go to Stamford Bridge. According to reports, the former Chelsea midfielder will step in for Maurizio Sarri once the Italian tactician signs a deal with Juventus.
Sarri is set to make his move back to Italy after a year with the Premier League club. Lampard previously announced that he is staying with Derby County after their play-off final defeat against Aston Villa. They fell at the last hurdle in their pursuit for promotion to the EPL. This is Lampard’s first season in management, yet the 40-year-old got a lot of positive feedback throughout the season, mainly due to his brand of attacking football.
Lampard is still well-liked back home, especially among the fans. They believe that he is the right person to replace Sarri.
Part of the Italian’s downfall at Stamford Bridge was his unpopularity among the Blues’ fans. Some of these fans even shout invectives and heavily criticise him throughout the entire campaign. Sarri’s solid performance throughout the season is not enough to please the fans and the owners, who look set to appoint someone to usher the club into a new era.
With their former player on top of Chelsea’s list, Derby’s owners have set their eyes on the Charlton coach.
Bowyer has been with Charlton for a year after taking the manager position last September. He guided the team to the Championship through the League One play-offs. However, Charlton did not extend his contract, putting his future with the club at risk.
With Lampard set to leave for his former team and take over from Sarri, Bowyer will definitely fit in at Derby. Lampard is also set to make a statement over this development.
