Frank Lampard has followed Steven Gerrard into management.The Chelsea legend has been appointed the new manager of Derby County, signing a three-year deal with the Championship club.Lampard, who was one of 20 applicants for the role that Gary Rowett vacated, becomes Derby's seventh manager in just over three years.The 39-year-old spoke of his excitement after the move was confirmed."I've always wanted to manage a club with a big tradition and history like Derby County, so this is a huge opportunity," he said.“I have spent considerable time discussing the role and the club's objectives with the chairman and board members."This is my first job as a manager, but I've worked closely with some of the best coaches in the game and I'm confident in my own abilities and those of the team around me, including the board."
Terry's Instagram post
He added: "I know it won't be easy - managing a football team never is - but I'm really looking forward to the challenge ahead."
Lampard has received several messages of support, such is his popularity.
And one of those has come from his former Chelsea teammate John Terry.
The centre-back posted an image of Lampard on Instagram, writing: “Congratulations @franklampard on becoming @dcfcofficial manager.
“I know you will be a great manager and I wish you every success for the future mate. â½ï¸ð”.
Class, that.
Coincidentally, Terry has just left Aston Villa.
Could Lampard be his first signing? Stranger things have happened.
Harry Redknapp's thoughts
Lampard is fortunate enough to be able to call upon his uncle, Harry Redknapp, for advice.
Redknapp believes Lampard to Derby is a “great fit”.
"I couldn't be more pleased for him and Derby, it's a great appointment,” the 71-year-old said, per BBC Sport.
“He's got a big advantage as he goes in there on the back of a great playing career.
"He's a very intelligent and very bright lad who knows the game, so I don't think he'll have any problems in the dressing room.
"The players will be delighted to have him as their manager, so it's a great fit."
What are the chances that, in a few years' time, Lampard and Gerrard are locking horns as the respective managers of Chelsea and Liverpool?