THE REACTION TO FRANK WALKING THE PLANK

“Absolutely staggering decision from @ChelseaFC to sack Frank Lampard. Where do you begin?

“Against the odds made top 4 last season and qualified impressively to the knockout stages of the Champions League this season. Bought some good players who will settle in given time. Madness.”

“Reports that Frank Lampard will be sacked by @ChelseaFC today. Utterly ludicrous after his first bad run.

“It was always going to need time given so many new signings feeling their way into a new club.

“Patience being a virtue is seldom recognised in this sport. They never learn.”

FORMER CHELSEA DEFENDER MARIO MELCHIOT SAID: “I was always a big fan of Frank taking the job. But it took him a little bit too long to get his team playing the way he wanted it and I think the price tag that he had on it, I think that was one

of the crucial decisions.”

“I think the minute that the club spent the money that they did in the summer, and brought the players in that they brought in, it was always going to bring a lot more expectation and we know what happens at Chelsea with expectation.”

CHELSEA AND BRAZIL DEFENDER THIAGO SILVA SAID: “Thank you very much for everything legend.”

BLUES STRIKER TAMMY ABRAHAM SAID: “A role model, a mentor and a great manager. Thank you Gaffer.”

EX-CHELSEA WINGER SHAUN WRIGHT-PHILLIPS TWEETED: “Gutted to see Lamps go! It was always going to take time for new players to bed in and adjust. I feel patience was needed, especially after working with no budget last year and doing such a great job.