In Focus: To be Frank, Lampard is limiting his options

Nearly 10 months after he was sacked by Chelsea, Frank Lampard is still waiting to return to management. 

The Blues legend was being considered for the head coach vacancy at Norwich before reportedly ruling himself out of the running — clearing the way for axed Aston Villa boss Dean Smith to be installed at Carrow Road. 

Lampard, 43, was also linked with Newcastle prior to Eddie Howe's appointment and appears set to miss out on the hotseat at Rangers.

So what is next for Chelsea's record goalscorer? We take a closer look at what he would bring to the dugout should he land another job. 

Managerial CV

Despite managing one of England’s most successful clubs, Lampard does not have the most extensive coaching experience on his CV.

A sole season in the Championship with Derby was all he had under his belt before taking charge at Stamford Bridge — though it was a pretty impressive one.

With a limited squad bolstered by loans, Lamps took the Rams to within one game of the Premier League before they fell agonisingly short in the play-off final in 2018-19. 

He impressed enough for Chelsea to come calling, with the Blues viewing him as the man to steer them through a tricky period following Eden Hazard's departure and an impending transfer ban.

Despite not winning a trophy during his tenure, Lampard kept Chelsea’s Champions League status intact by securing fourth in the Premier League and guided them to the FA Cup final in his maiden campaign in 2019-20.

But things quickly turned sour for Lampard the following season. 

After spending more than £200million on new signings, he was relieved of his duties and replaced by Thomas Tuchel in January with Chelsea struggling in ninth.

Promoting youth

Though at times circumstances may have forced it upon him, promoting youth has been at the core of Lampard’s philosophy throughout his short managerial career.

As Derby boss, he handed Mason Mount his first shot in English football at senior level and also gave fellow loanee Fikayo Tomori valuable minutes at Pride Park. 

When Lampard moved to Chelsea, that duo and fellow academy products Tammy Abraham, Reece James and Callum Hudson-Odoi were thrust into the first-team picture in ways rarely seen before at the Bridge.

The success they have all gone on to enjoy with the Blues and elsewhere means he deserves immense credit for a willingness to blood young talent.

Mount, now a key player for both club and country, will always be grateful to his former manager.

The Chelsea star, 22, said: "He's had a massive influence [on my development]. Obviously the faith he put in me, to bring me to Derby [on loan] first of all, was invaluable. 

"That experience in the Championship really, really helped me. Then going back to Chelsea, the faith he showed to play me, even in the tough times to stick with me, gave me a lot of confidence.

"The amount of support he's given me has really helped me improve as a player and as a person off the pitch. It's all thanks to him."

Tactical approach

At both Derby and Chelsea, Lampard deployed an expansive and attacking philosophy.

Often favouring a 4-3-3, he deployed one deep-lying player in the centre of the park and two attack-minded midfielders in an attempt to dominate. 

He also encouraged his full-backs to push forward and play on the front foot, resulting in an entertaining brand of football.

But the criticism often levelled at Lampard was that the approach left his sides susceptible to counter-attacks — and his defensive record left a lot to be desired.

While his first season at the Bridge was largely positive given the circumstances, 54 league goals conceded was Chelsea's worst tally in 23 years.

When Tuchel came in, it was the first issue he went about solving and the Blues have since gone on to become European champions — with a resolute defence the cornerstone of that success.

Does he need to return?

Reports indicated that Lampard ruled himself out of the Norwich running when it was seemingly a two-horse race between him and Smith.

So is there a suggestion the ex-England man is still biding his time?

Based on what he has said publicly since leaving Chelsea, he has not lost his desire to manage and is just waiting for the right opportunity to present itself.

Speaking during the summer, he said: "I am certainly not put off. I love the job, I love the challenge of it. 

"I had two great experiences at Derby and then at Chelsea. I would love to get back in at the right time and the right moment."

With jobs at Crystal Palace, Newcastle and Norwich coming and going over the last six months, many have started to speculate whether there is a disparity between the level of job he wants and what he can get.

Where could he go?

Ultimately, it is hard to judge where Lampard currently stands as a manager.

He enjoyed success in the Championship but after managing at the upper reaches of the Premier League, he will surely fancy another crack in England’s top division rather than dropping down.

But appointing Lampard would arguably be a gamble for clubs battling to survive in the top flight when more experienced options are available — particularly given the expansive set-up he prefers to deploy.

The reluctance shown by Newcastle and Norwich to appoint him appears to back up that claim.

After landing his dream job at Chelsea earlier than expected, Lampard may have to build his reputation up from a lower level once again.

And his best route back to the Premier League may well be by getting a team promoted from the Championship.