Ignore Jose sideshow and salute super Frank

THE last few days have been dominated by Paul Pogba and Jose Mourinho since Derby County knocked Manchester United out of the Carabao Cup. It was a huge night, no question, but I want to look at it from the perspective of my old England team-mate Frank Lampard. Let’s not forget what a momentous game — and magnificent result — that was for him, too. Frank (below) could easily have moved into the world of TV punditry when he decided to stop playing. He looks the part, he speaks well and has an intelligent outlook on the game. He had already shown that being in the studio held no terrors. I always felt, though, that management would hold the biggest lure. With the influence of his dad, Frank Snr, it is in his blood and he has embraced the challenge of trying to get Derby out of the Championship and everything that goes with it. There have been a couple of difficult moments, such as when he was sent to the stands in a defeat by Rotherham, plus a 4-1 loss to Leeds, but their progress has been good. It got even better at Old Trafford. Don’t underestimate what he did. Derby went toe-to-toe with United and he has ended up claiming the scalp of Mourinho, one of the greatest managers of our generation. It is a huge feather in his cap and one of which he should be proud. I’m delighted to see him doing well — the same applies to Steven Gerrard at Rangers — and I hope it continues for him . . . all the way until November 28 when he brings his team to the Bet365 Stadium. Let’s see if he can manage on a winter’s night in Stoke!