Less than 18 months after his retirement, Chelsea and Premier League legend Frank Lampard is back in the game. On Thursday, Championship side Derby County appointed him as their new manager. Lampard, who will turn 40 in a few weeks, thus becomes the fourth youngest manager in the top two divisions of the English football pyramid, after Garry Monk (Birmingham City), Lee Johnson (Bristol City), and Alex Neil (Preston North End).
Lampard has joined the club on a three-year deal. #WelcomeFrank
— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) May 31, 2018
More details https://t.co/DJLl5iihBH pic.twitter.com/EwTBQmd8XH
Lampard is of course not just one of the youngest but certainly one of the least experienced managers in the professional game. This is his first official appointment, and the grand sum of his current coaching experience extends to working with the Chelsea youth teams as part of his A Licence qualifications.
“This is my first job as a manager but I’ve been working towards this for a long time. I’ve worked closely with some of the best coaches in the game and I’m confident in my own abilities and those of the team around me.
“I know it won’t be easy – managing a football team never is – but I’m here to work hard. I’m really looking forward to getting started and to the challenge ahead.”
-Frank Lampard; source: Derby County FC
Fortunately, he should have great help in Jody Morris, who’s expected to be named his assistant manager. Jody has achieved tremendous success as head coach of the Chelsea U18s over the past couple years. Before then, he also served as an assistant to Joe Edwards for the U18s for two years and an assistant to Dermot Drummy for the U21s in 2013-14.
As Frank Lampard is confirmed as Derby County manager, Jody Morris is, as widely reported, expected to become a part of his backroom staff at Pride Park. Chelsea are working on the details of his departure and replacement.
— Chelsea Youth (@chelseayouth) May 31, 2018
Together, the two former teammates will hope to improve on Derby’s 6th place finish and promotion playoff loss under Gary Rowett this past season.
Taking control of a side in the ultra-competitive Championship will not be an easy task for Lampard, but as a someone who rose to world-class through sheer hard work, determination, and perseverance, we have no doubt about his ability to achieve great success in football management as well.
Good luck, Super Frank!