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At the beginning of this month, Frank Lampard was keeping it cool. Asked about his coaching ambitions, he said time was on his side.
“I’ve picked up a lot in this year, working in the media, travelling around. You have to do it properly. I don’t just roll up and go: ‘That was a good game.’ You have to look at the players, the tactics.
“That’s why I’m not setting a time limit on the move into management. You don’t just flick a switch – you need to learn a lot again. There are no shortcuts as I see it.”
Lamps may not be setting a time limit. But Ipswich Town owner Marcus Evans could. A very short time limit. He’s now interviewed the Chelsea legend twice as he searches for someone to replace Mick McCarthy at a club that seems perma-glued to the Championship, where they’ve resided for the last 16 seasons since relegation from the Premier League in 2002. McCarthy resigned his position in April after almost six years in charge.
The favorite for the Tractor Boys job was — might still be — Jack Ross, who just led St. Mirren to promotion out of the Scottish Championship. Ross has also interviewed twice for the East Anglian club. Lampard is a bit of a wild card entry into the race because he’s still working on his UEFA Pro License, although he does already have the requisite A License for coaching in the second division.
“I’m doing my coaching badges at the moment.
“I’ve spent a lot of time at Chelsea this year, gaining hours of experience. I’ve already managed to get my A Licence in coaching. So yes, with the right opportunity and right timing for me, I’d really take a very close look at it.”
-Frank Lampard; source: Daily Mirror
But clearly, something about him intrigues Marcus Evans, who is said to be looking for a younger coach. Other candidates include Jaap Stam, former Tottenham and Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood and retired Spurs, Chelsea and England midfielder Scotty “RAF Group Captain” Parker.
Even if Lampard doesn’t get this job, the fact that he’s making such a positive impression bodes well for his second career. Then again, after watching how he comported himself at Chelsea for thirteen years, that’s not surprising.