Frank Lampard Named New Chelsea Manager On Three-Year Deal

Chelsea have finally appointed club legend Frank Lampard as their new manager.

The former Blues midfielder agreed a three-year deal believed to be worth £15million to take over from Maurizio Sarri at Stamford Bridge.

Lampard took over as Derby boss last season. Image: PA Images

Chelsea confirmed on Thursday that the club's all-time top scorer will be returning to west London for the first time since he left as a player in 2014.

Lampard said: "I am immensely proud to be returning to Chelsea as head coach.

"Everyone knows my love for this club and the history we have shared, however, my sole focus is on the job in hand and preparing for the season ahead.

"I am here to work hard, bring further success to the club and I cannot wait to get started."

Lampard's appointment has been expected for weeks and he was seen at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night finalising his move.

The former Derby boss faces a tough task getting settled into his new role with a transfer ban to contend with, and a tricky trip to Old Trafford to play Manchester United on the opening weekend of the season.

The Blues finished third in the Premier League last season and won the Europa League but former boss Sarri left to take over at Juventus.

Lampard left Chelsea as a player five years ago. He was expected to move to MLS side New York City but moved to Manchester City first.

After one season at the Etihad he left for New York to finish his playing career, playing 31 games in two years in America.

The 41-year-old then moved into television punditry, working for BT Sport, but last summer decided to move away from sitting in the studio and swapped it for his first management position.

Lampard took over at Derby County, the Championship's perennial promotion hopes. With a young squad, including Chelsea loanees Fikayo Tomori and Mason Mount, the Rams had a good season.

Derby finished sixth place in the league and qualified for the play-offs, they overturned a first leg loss in the semi-final to beat Leeds United but lost at Wembley 2-1 to Aston Villa.

However that one season has been enough to convince Chelsea that he is the man to take the club forward after their own 'experiment' with Sarri.

The Italian took over from Antonio Conte last summer, after pre-season had started, and despite his very specific style of football 'Sarriball' coming under criticism he still had a good season.

Chelsea started well before a bad run of form around November but they recovered to finish third to gain a place in next season's Champions League.

Lampard is a club legend from his playing days. Image: PA Images

The Blues then beat London rivals Arsenal in the Europa League, whilst also finishing runners up in the Carabao Cup after losing to Manchester City on penalties in the final.

Lampard is likely to have to use the squad left to him by Sarri as the club are currently serving a two transfer window ban.

That might be a huge reason why they've decided to appoint the relatively inexperienced former West Ham midfielder.

They'll be less pressure on his shoulders in theory and he'll be working with the talented youngsters in the squad.

Is Lampard the right man for the job?

Topics: Frank Lampard, Football News, Football Manager, Maurizio Sarri, Derby County, Chelsea, Transfer stories, Premier League, Juventus, Transfer news, Champions League, Transfer reports

Ryan Sidle

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