The Chelsea legend that is Frank Lampard has, whilst I was away on vacation, put pen-to-paper on a contract making him the new manager of Derby County Football Club.
For Frank, it is a bold move taking on a role at a club where the expectation levels are high but there is little cash to invest with youth development being the name of the game.
Frank, you feel, could have held on for, want of a better word, an ‘easier’ job.
But Frank has never been one to shy away from anything in his professional career and will be looking to make an impact in his first managerial post.
Talking to the local BBC media, BBC, Frank has admitted both parties have taken a risk, remarking,
“I don’t have a management CV and don’t proclaim to.
“Any job has its risk elements but you take them on and you do so with a positive nature.
“I am delighted that they have taken that risk and chosen me and I want to prove them right and get success.”
Derby County’s executive chairman, Mel Morris, championed Frank’s appointment on his Twitter account, remarking at the press conference celebrating his appointment:
#DCFC Executive Chairman Mel Morris CBE: “Frank’s personality speaks for itself. We have to be patient, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t be ambitious.” #WelcomeFrank
— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) May 31, 2018
Tweets of support for Lampard are also prevalent:
Well the appointment shows ambition, and a willingness to gamble, neither of which were apparent at DCFC last season. Hope he’ll develop existing talent at the club (under 23s above man u in table) though that wasn’t really the Rowett or Chelsea or Redknapp way. Sort of happy 🙂
— Peter.Hutton (@1PeterHutton) June 1, 2018
Whilst others yearn for Frank to be successful and, one day, return to Stamford Bridge:
Hoping that one day, he’ll come back to the Bridge and manage Chelsea, with Drogba as his right hand man.
— Chris Broom (@CBroom1) May 31, 2018
Interesting days ahead for Frank and we’ll be sure to keep an eye on events at Pride Park next season.