Derby County ‘to consider’ John Terry as Frank Lampard replacement — report

Frank Lampard’s imminent return to Stamford Bridge has seemingly mobilized every member of the Chelsea Old Guard with even a passing interest in coaching to potentially join him for the ride, but there’s been one name conspicuously absent. John Terry has been rarely mentioned, and even when he has, it’s been in the negative sense. Duncan Castles in the Times this weekend went even as far as to claim that JT’s relationship with Abramovich “had deteriorated” towards the end of his long and storied Chelsea career and would thus not even be considered for a staff role.

Of course, it could just have something to do with JT being gainfully employed at Aston Villa and being part of a good thing there after they secured their return to the Premier League by beating Lampard and Derby County in the Championship promotion playoff final. In fact, after that win, Terry said he was in no hurry to move up the coaching ladder just yet.

“In the long run, [becoming a manager] is obviously my ambition but I’m not thinking that. [...] I’m starting right from the very bottom, I’m not afraid to say that, I’m not afraid to do all the dirty work, picking up the cones, the balls, the bibs, that’s part of my education. I’ve got a great teacher in [Aston Villa head coach] Dean [Smith] so I’m very fortunate to be able to sit there and learn.”

“I’ve always wanted to [be a coach]. I think you know as a player when time’s up really. It’s been something that I’ve been planning for a few years, and the experience and day-to-day work on the training field and what the manager allows me to do has been fantastic for me.”

-John Terry; source: Sky

Or it could be because he’s actually being considered to replace Lampard himself!

That’s the rumor from the Mail’s Matt Barlow, who positions Terry as one of three potential replacements, alongside Lee Bowyer who appears to be the actual favourite after failing to agree new terms with Charlton Athletic as well as former Derby County midfielder John Eustace who was assistant manager (and later caretaker) at QPR last season.

UPDATE: Lee Bowyer, in a complete 180, has signed a new one-year contract at Charlton Athletic today! BOOM.

So, this could pretty interesting! The start of the great Frank Lampard vs. John Terry managerial rivalry!