LAMPHARD Hairdryer blast lifted us to win, says Rams hero

TOM LAWRENCE says Frank Lampard revealed his nasty side to inspire Derby’s dream comeback win on his managerial bow.

The usually mild-mannered Lampard cut an animated figure after rousing his underperforming players with a half-time rocket at Reading on Friday.

And the inspirational team talk laid the foundations for the dramatic turnaround.

After Lampard’s dugout debut began with a 2-1 victory, match-winner Lawrence (above) said the former England star was not afraid to dish out the hairdryer treatment.

“In the first half, we weren’t at it all,” said the Wales winger. “We were nowhere near good enough and we knew that. But the gaffer let us know. “He told us to keep believing but also gave us a bit of a ramp-up – and we showed what we could do. “He knows what we’ve got in us and is not afraid to tell anyone if they are not performing. It did get us going for the second half. “We had to show great character to turn it around.” Ditching his calm and measured approach, Lampard has already left a mark on his new players after reminding them of the standards he expects. Lawrence said: “We know we can play a lot better than that. “And, with it being the first game for the new manager, we wanted to start off with a win. We don’t feel the pressure of him being the manager. We will just play the way he wants to and try to kick on this season.”

The Rams rode their luck before falling behind to Jon Dadi Bodvarsson’s header. But Mason Mount levelled before Lawrence’s 94th-minute header sparked wild scenes on the touchline.

At the end Lampard charged on to the pitch to embrace his players then celebrated with the large group of travelling supporters.

Lawrence added: “His record as a player speaks for itself. You can only learn from playing under him.”

Lampard used his connections at old club Chelsea to win the race to sign highly rated midfielder Mount, 19, on a year’s loan.

Mount said: “The manager has put a lot of faith in me. To start me in a tough opening game only gives me confidence.”