Terriers in sharp form
HUDDERSFIELD displayed their promotion credentials with a 3-1 victory against Championship leaders Brighton.
David Wagner’s side blew the visitors away in the first half, with Tommy Smith, Nahki Wells and Elias Kachunga all on target.
Tomer Hemed had levelled for Brighton but Chris Hughton’s side were second best throughout and ended the game with ten men following Lewis Dunk’s 67th-minute dismissal.
The Terriers’ seventh win in nine league matches keeps them fifth, but they are now just two points behind fourthplaced Leeds, who they play at home on Sunday.
Brighton, knocked out of the FA Cup by Lincoln, were uncharacteristically poor in defence and conceded three in a league match for the first time in almost 12 months. SWANSEA boss Paul Clement has revealed he tried to sign Frank Lampard before the former England star announced his retirement.
Lampard brought the curtain down on a distinguished playing career for club and country, in which he scored 302 goals in 1,019 appearances, on Thursday.
Chelsea’s record goalscorer also played for West Ham, Manchester City and New York City FC, as well as having a loan spell at Swansea right at the start of his career.
And Clement – who worked with Lampard when he was Chelsea’s assistant manager – said he tried to bring the 38-year-old back to south Wales following his appointment at the Liberty Stadium at the start of January.
“We had a chat. I think he appreciated that I called him because of our relationship,” Clement said.
“I am not saying it got close in any way, but we had a conversation. It did not go very far, but it would have been nice. It would have been good.
“His ability as a player we all know about. But he is also a very good leader and character and a fantastic professional.”
Lampard was sent out on loan by West Ham in October 1995 when he was just 17 years of age.
He ended up making 11 appearances for Swansea, scoring one goal, and told Clement how he enjoyed his time at a club who were then in the third tier of English football.
“I spoke to him about his time here,” Clement said. “It was a long time ago now when he was at West Ham. But he spoke really fondly of the club and the people who were here.
“It was part of his education on to going on and having such a great career.”
Lampard confirmed his retirement on Instagram yesterday, saying: “After 21 incredible years, I have decided that now is the right time to finish my career as a professional footballer.
“Whilst I have received a number of exciting offers to continue playing at home and abroad, at 38 I feel now is the time to begin the next chapter in my life,” he said.
“Looking forward, I’m grateful to the FA for the opportunity to study for my coaching qualifications and I look forward to pursuing the off-field opportunities that this decision opens.”
That leaves open the prospect of a return to Chelsea, who have long stated a desire to retain a lasting affinity with players of Lampard’s generation.
Lampard joined the Blues from the Hammers for £11million in 2001. He scored 211 goals for Chelsea and won every major club honour before leaving in June 2014.
He netted the goals which in 2005 secured the club’s first championship title in 50 years. And, with his friend John Terry suspended, Lampard was captain on the night Chelsea won the 2012 European Cup in Munich.
“The largest part of my heart belongs to Chelsea, a club which has given me so many great memories,” he added.
“I will never forget the opportunity they gave me and the success that we managed to achieve together.
“It is impossible to give thanks individually to all the people that helped and supported me in my 13 years playing there. All I can say is from the day I signed until now and going forward, I’m eternally grateful for everything and to everyone.
“Chelsea fans gave myself and my team-mates such incredible support.
“Their passion and hunger drove me on personally to give my best year after year. I couldn’t have done it without them.”
He scored against a record 39 Premier League opponents. And with England he netted 29 goals in 106 caps.
It is a ‘goal’ which was not awarded which gives him a lasting legacy on the field.
His 2010 World Cup strike against Germany clearly went across the line and expedited the introduction of goal-line technology.
And FIFA joined the congratulations for a career which included playing in three World Cup finals.
But, like many of his England contemporaries, Lampard’s club achievements went unmatched on the international stage.
And he retired from international football after his involvement in the 2014 World Cup, when England were dumped out at the group stage.