Derby ‘make checks’ on potential Lampard replacement as Chelsea await Sarri resolution

As Maurizio Sarri’s (inevitable?) departure to Juventus draws closer, Chelsea are reportedly “stepping up” efforts to find an able replacement. One of the most likely names touted for that is Frank Lampard, who’s currently employed by Derby County. So, in turn, the Rams appear to be “making checks” on a replacement as they “brace” for impact incoming Chelsea interest. (Ed.note: the phrase dictionary used to auto-generate these rumors surely needs to be updated at some point.)

According to the Daily Mail, Derby are keeping tabs on Charlton Athletic manager, Lee Bowyer. The former Leeds, Newcastle, and West Ham United midfielder has just finished his first season as a full-time manager (just like Lampard!), leading his team to promotion through the playoffs (unlike Lampard!). Charlton’s success in stepping up from League One to the Championship for next season has Bowyer on many teams’ radars.

Lampard recently declared that he would like to continue at Derby following the defeat to Aston Villa in the Championship playoff final, but the prospect of leading Chelsea, where he is regarded as one of the biggest Legends to ever play for the club, might be too enticing to turn down.

That said, Derby haven’t given up hope of keeping him, and the club captain Richard Keogh remains optimistic.

“I can’t speak highly enough of the gaffer and working with him in his first season. He’s going to have a fantastic career as a manager for sure. I think naturally with the speculation that’s going on regarding Sarri, the gaffer is going to get mentioned because of the legendary status he’s got at that football club and obviously he’s doing such a good job with us.

“As far as I know he’s looking forward to next season as much as I am and it would be a shame to see him leave. But in this industry, when you’re doing a good job and you’re Frank Lampard, then you’re going to get linked with jobs. Hopefully he stays. I’ve really enjoyed working with him and he’s really improved the football club and me as a player.”

- Richard Keogh; source: Goal

Sarri’s situation is supposed to resolve by the end of this week. If Chelsea have to look for a replacement, hopefully we’ll be just as efficient and quick in doing so, to avoid a repeat of last summer.