On this day in 1978 - Frank Lampard, Chelsea manager, born
Lampard was widely viewed as one of the finest midfielders of his generation but such a pedigree has not often been an indicator of success in management
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard, who celebrates his 42nd birthday on Saturday, is hoping to buck the trend of top English players whose forays into management turn out to be short and unsuccessful.
Chelsea resume their Premier League campaign at Aston Villa on Sunday and the West London club are currently occupying the fourth Champions League spot.
While Lampard’s job appears safe, regardless of how this season ends, he will know that failure to secure Champions League football for next season will increase the pressure on him next season.
Lampard was widely viewed as one of the finest midfielders of his generation but such a pedigree has not often been an indicator of success in management.
Bryan Robson, Chris Waddle, John Barnes and Alan Shearer are among the
England greats who failed to replicate their prowess on the field when they took the ‘hot seat’ of management.
So far, Lampard, who has blooded several young players into the first team due to Chelsea’s transfer ban, has shown plenty of promise, after returning to Stamford Bridge following an encouraging season with Derby County.
Lampard, who was capped 106 times for England, was Chelsea’s alltime top goalscorer with 211 goals in more than 400 appearances in all competitions.
The midfielder won three Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the Champions League during a trophyladen spell at Chelsea.
With England, his talent at the highest level was clear to see but he suffered from the failure of England managers, particularly Sven-goran Eriksson to find a way to get the best out of him and Steven Gerrard together in midfield.
Former Liverpool player Gerrard himself is cutting his teeth in management at Glasgow Rangers.
Both Lampard and Gerrard ended their careers in Major League Soccer, where the Chelsea boss played for New York City FC and also had a loan spell at their parent club Manchester City.