YES, HE’S A NICE GUY BUT DON’T EVER CROSS HIM
EVEN when Frank and I were kids, having a kickabout in great grandad’s back garden and taking turns trying to hit his wooden bird cage, I could sense something in him. We were only young and I was the older cousin by five years, but he had a certain determination, a hunger. We spent hours and hours together and I could see it. He didn’t just want to be a footballer — he wanted to be a great one. There was no red carpet rolled out in front of Frank, no shortcuts to success. He knew he would have to work hard to get his chance to make it as a professional and he succeeded, becoming a legend for Chelsea in midfield. He will bring that same attitude to being a manager of the club. All of Frank’s successes have come from his incredible work ethic. You don’t have to search hard to see who instilled that in him. As much as I would like to take credit after our back-garden kickabouts, it comes from his old man. Frank Snr was exactly the same and it obviously rubbed off on young Frank. He became another one off the production line at West Ham and it was my dad, Harry, who helped him through. When everyone else had finished training and was heading home, Frank would stay behind to do extra work. Back in the day, the London-to-Romford trains would rattle by the Chadwell Heath training pitches. If you looked out of the window, you would see one young man doing running drills in a corner, all on his own. If any youngsters at Chelsea now are wondering how they can impress their new boss, that would not be the worst way to catch his eye.
I BUMPED into Frank at the hairdressers last week. He was having his hair washed at the time, so I snuck up from behind and gave him a head massage. He didn’t even realise it was me — and he later said it was the best massage he’s ever had! Jokes aside, we had a chat about Chelsea, of course. He can’t wait to get to work. Frank is well aware of the job he has taken on. There has been a lot of talk about how difficult a period Chelsea are facing because of their transfer embargo and losing Eden Hazard to Real Madrid. But I think this is the most exciting period of the Roman Abramovich era. They have a club legend as manager and will have to work hard with what they’ve got. That means opportunities for youngsters Callum Hudson-Odoi, Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham. They will get their chance, especially with Jody Morris joining the staff. There are no excuses for Chelsea not to use their famed academy.
I STILL remember the date — October 10, 1999 — because that was the day of England v Belgium at the Stadium of Light. Frank made his Three Lions debut at the age of 21 and I was there alongside him in midfield. Not only that, I scored a screamer, lasering a 25-yard shot into the top-left corner! That was a great moment for our family. Frank and I have always been close. We spent summers together, we spoke after every game we played for our clubs, we went on nights out together, we went to Ayia Napa on holiday. What I admire about Frank now is, unlike most people (and I include myself in this), he did not take the easy option of going into the media. He wanted to be a manager and now he’s got a huge chance with Chelsea. This is not only a great move for him, this is also a great move for the club. Fans will no doubt be restless if things don’t go well this season, but Frank will settle everything down. He’s a cool head, a leader. By the way, just because he is a nice guy, don’t think Frank will be soft. He won’t look for arguments or try to fall out with people, but I wouldn’t cross him. If you upset him, he will not hesitate to cut you out.