Former Chelsea legend Frank Lampard has emerged as the shock favourite to replace Gary Rowett at Championship hopefuls Derby County.
Derby County chairman Mel Morris appears to have identified one key attribute he wants from the club’s next manager – proven, Championship experience.
Gary Rowett walked away from Pride Park after the Rams lost to Fulham in the play-off semi-finals, obviously feeling he has a better chance of securing Premier League football at the recently relegated Stoke City instead.
Dean Smith led an exciting Brentford side to the top half after flirting with the top six, Carlos Carvalhal twice reached the play-offs with Sheffield Wednesday, while Mick McCarthy has won this division twice with Wolves and Sunderland.
McCarthy also did a sterling job in seven years at Ipswich Town. Despite having to work under one of the league’s most stringent budgets, the Tractor Boys punched above their weight and finished in the top half in four of the last five seasons.
Therefore, the potential appointment of one Frank Lampard would seem even more bizarre considering the type of candidates Derby are looking at.
It is understood that Derby have been tempted by his reputation and personality, but surely they should be prioritising a manager who has been there and done it before as the club aims to end its long exile from the Premier League?
Then again, Nigel Pearson, Steve McClaren and Rowett himself all arrived with stellar Championship CV’s but still failed to lead Derby into the promised land. Maybe it is time for a change.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
