Chelsea legend Frank Lampard appointed Derby County manager

Derby County have appointed former England international midfielder Frank Lampard as their new manager.

The Chelsea legend, 39, has signed a three-year contract with the Championship club, and succeeds Gary Rowett at Pride Park following his decision to take charge of recently relegated Stoke City earlier this month.

Becoming Rams boss is Lampard’s first managerial role in the beautiful game, and he becomes Derby’s seventh appointment in just over three years.

Lampard, who played 106 times for the Three Lions, including 29 goals, is Premier League side Chelsea’a all-time record goalscorer after 649 appearances in all competitions for The Blues between 2001 and 2014.

Lampard is a Ram. #WelcomeFrank pic.twitter.com/7q6nbiV09V

— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) May 31, 2018

Derby finished sixth in the Championship standings in 2017-18, but they lost in the play-off semi-finals to Fulham, who went on to defeat Aston Villa in the final at Wembley Stadium to win promotion to the top-flight.

Lampard told the club’s official website, “I’m excited to be making my first move into management with a club with such huge tradition and history.

“I have spent considerable time discussing the role and the club’s objectives with the Chairman Mel Morris CBE and the board.

“We want to build on the club’s top six finish in the Championship last season, while at the same time bringing through some of the excellent youth and academy talent we have at Pride Park.”

He continued, “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.

Chelsea legend Frank Lampard.

“I know it won’t be easy – managing a football club never is – but I’m here to work hard.

“I’m really looking forward to getting started and to the challenge ahead.”

The ex-central midfielder won three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups, two FA Community Shields, the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Champions League during his unprecedented success at Chelsea.

Lampard started his career at West Ham United, before his move to Stamford Bridge, before short spells at Manchester City and New York City FC followed his time at The Blues.