Terry deserves plaudits on his return to Chelsea – Lampard

Chelsea v Aston Villa Live, Premier Sports, 7.30

FRANK LAMPARD accepts it will be an emotional evening at Stamford Bridge tonight with the focus, at least initially, on the opposition dugout.

John Terry’s emergence from the tunnel will trigger tributes from Chelsea supporters welcoming back the former club captain for the first time since his departure for Aston Villa two years ago.

The former centre-back returns as manager Dean Smith’s assistant while Lampard occupies the home manager’s seat.

It will not be the first time the former teammates have confronted each other in their post-playing careers – Villa beat Lampard’s Derby three times last season, including in the Championship play-off final – but the Chelsea manager accepts this meeting carries extra significance.

“It’s not much different for me because I went up against him twice last year,” said Lampard.

“It’s more about John, and the reception he’ll quite rightly get from the Chelsea fans; the most decorated captain, the greatest captain who won everything. He feels the club, everyone knows that, and I’m sure the fans will show their appreciation. It will be pretty emotional for John, and he deserves that moment.”

With Terry as captain and Lampard vice-captain, the pair helped deliver a steady stream of silverware at Chelsea and the manager says their relationship remains intact.

Relationship

“We had a good relationship as captain and vice-captain,” said Lampard. “The minute I stepped into this club John was clearly the next captain in waiting. When Marcel Desailly left he stepped up.

“Our relationship was always good. We were good friends and respected each other as professionals and colleagues. That remains the same.

“I spoke to him last week. We are pretty regularly in conversation but we are both focused on our roles.”

Lampard will take a late decision on the fitness of Tammy Abraham, who missed Saturday’s home defeat by West Ham, a low point after a positive start to the season.

Abraham returned to the club after helping Villa to promotion during a loan spell last season and Lampard believes the experience was invaluable to the player, who has established himself as a first-choice forward.

“It was important for him to go to a big club where the responsibility is strong on you as the main man up front to score goals,” Lampard said.

“He reacted well and scored a lot. He worked on his game. He would have been all the better for working closely with Dean and John. It gave him confidence.” (© Daily Telegraph, London)