Frank Lampard appointed manager of Derby County

Frank Lampard has been appointed as Derby County manager

Frank Lampard says his new job as Derby County manager “won’t be easy” but that it presents a “huge opportunity” after joining the Rams on a three-year deal.

Lampard, taking on his first managerial role, was one of 20 applicants for the job and becomes Derby’s seventh appointment in just over three years.

The 39-year-old ex-Chelsea and England midfielder said he spent “considerable time” discussing the role.

Lampard is a Ram. 🐏 #WelcomeFrank pic.twitter.com/7q6nbiV09V

— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) May 31, 2018

He replaces Gary Rowett after he left to join fellow Championship side Stoke.

Lampard is set to be unveiled to the media at a press conference at 14:00 BST on Thursday – which you can follow live coverage of on the BBC Sport website.

“I’ve always wanted to manage a club with a big tradition and history like Derby County, so this is a huge opportunity,” said Lampard.

Frank Lampard has signed a three-year deal with Derby County

“I have spent considerable time discussing the role and the club’s objectives with the chairman and board members.

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“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.

“I know it won’t be easy – managing a football team never is – but I’m really looking forward to the challenge ahead.”

Lampard, capped 106 times by England, made 649 appearances for Chelsea and is the club’s record goalscorer.

Derby finished sixth in the second tier last season but lost in the play-off semi-finals to Fulham and have been without a manager since Rowett’s departure on 22 May.

Chelsea youth team coach Jody Morris, a former Blues team-mate of Lampard’s, is expected to join the Rams’ coaching staff.