England and Chelsea legend Frank Lampard, one of the favourites in the race for the vacant Ipswich Town manager’s job, has declared himself ready to move into management.
The former midfielder has been working behind the scenes to complete his coaching qualifications at old club Chelsea as he inches closer to a first job at the helm of a club.
He is currently 12/1 fifth favourite for the Portman Road job, behind Paul Hurst, Chris Coleman, Shefki Kuqi and Paul Cook.
- MORE: Mowbray not interested in Town job
He’s Harry Redknapp’s nephew, the long-time manager one of Town owner Marcus Evans’ closest football confidants.
Lampard expects more of his generation of England players to move into management in time, and backed Steven Gerrard to realise his own coaching ambitions.
While Gerrard – once among the favourites for Ipswich himself – closes in on taking the helm at Rangers, Lampard conceded he too is moving ever closer to taking on a front line coaching role.
“Well I’m doing my coaching badges at the moment. I’ve spent a lot of time at Chelsea this year, gaining hours of experience,” Lampard told Press Association Sport.
- MORE: The verdict on the 22 names linked to Town hotseat
“I’ve already managed to get my A Licence in coaching. So yes, with the right opportunity and right timing for me, I’d really take a very close look at it.
“Because you do want to give back, show you can help try to develop players, and help them tactically and whether you can be a good man manager.
- MORE: ‘Inevitable’ that Hurst will attract interest says Shrews’ chief
“And I certainly think Steven (Gerrard) will make a success of it. I’ve known Steven a long time, he’s a serious thinker about the game. I work with him now, and his analysis and extent of knowledge about the game is huge.
“He’ll be a great acquisition for anyone to take on.”
Lampard won 106 England caps between 1999 and 2014, and retired fully in 2016 after a stint with New York City.
The 39-year-old believes the transition from player to manager can prove tougher than many realise.
- MORE: Sol Campbell to be interviewed by Town
“If a Steven Gerrard is linked with a job immediately people say he needs experience, but he has to gain that experience somewhere,” said Lampard.
“I’ve learned so much day to day on the training pitch with Chelsea this year. It’s a great way to cut your teeth.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here