Frank Lampard has been linked with the West Bromwich Albion role, with Sam Allardyce to step down as Baggies manager.
According to Joseph Masi, Express and Star, Lampard is one of the names on the shortlist for the job.
Frank Lampard Happy to Manage at Championship Level Again
Premier League or Championship
Frank Lampard was sacked in January after 18 months in charge as Chelsea boss, replaced by Thomas Tuchel who leads the Blues into the Champions League final.
But it is the Championship that is still calling to Lampard, who said that he would be happy to manage a Championship club once again.
In an interview with Henry Winter, The Times, Lampard said: “I would take a view on going into the Championship. If it was the right club, the right project, for sure. I don’t have an ego where I feel just because I’ve managed in the Champions League, that’s the be-all and end-all.”
Lampard to help Baggies Bounce Back
Arsenal laid the final blow on West Brom to send them crashing back down to the Championship. The Baggies had only just climbed out of the second-tier of English football. Now they’ll have to do it all over again.
Lampard would be a strong candidate to get the club back into the top flight, having taken Derby County all the way to the playoff final in his first season.
Across 57 matches in all competitions, Derby won 26, drew 15 and lost 16 under Lampard’s direction.
During his time at the club, he promoted younger talents such as Jayden Bogle, Fikayo Tomori and Harry Wilson, not to mention a certain Mason Mount.
Despite falling at the final hurdle to get Derby promoted, Chelsea soon came calling. Initially, Lampard did a good job at the club, taking them into the top four, again with a youth-focused approach. His second season was much less impressive, marked by extravagant transfer funds and it all ended when Chelsea were sitting in ninth place, five points adrift from the top four.
Nevertheless, he has proven at different levels that he is capable of managing clubs and has experience in escaping the Championship.
There a number of other candidates for the Baggies role, including Alex Neil, Michael Appleton and Eddie Howe.
The other big name at the top of the pile is Chris Wilder, who led Sheffield United all the way from League One to the Premier League.
But since Lampard is not under contract at a club, it makes him all the more attractive with no buyouts required.
Lampard Turns Down Other Offers Since Sacking
He said he has turned down “flattering offers” to manage at other clubs following his sacking as Chelsea manager, reportedly including Crystal Palace and Celtic.
But his responses in early April seem to indicate that he may reconsider. He said: “The opportunities weren’t quite right but I think about it. It would be something I’m keen to do, at the right time, at the right place.”
Main Photo
