About to watch the World Cup in the pub when a fella said to me ‘I bet you can’t name 3 Qatar players’
I replied - George Harrison, Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton
Sir Alex Ferguson sends message of congratulations to Frank Lampard, praising his work in guiding Coventry City into the Premier League. “Your personality as a manager and a leader is so clearly defined in how your team has played great football this season, with confidence and self-belief, and I’ve enjoyed watching them,” Ferguson said via @LMA_Managers.
Lampard was awarded the Sir Alex Ferguson Trophy for LMA Manager of the Year voted by managers and based on the resources the individual manager has available to them. Ferguson added, “I know from speaking with you that you have great humility and, that important quality of a curious mind for learning.”
Following a glittering playing career (3xPL, 1xUCL, 1xEL, 4xFA, FOTY, 106 caps) Lampard could easily have simply gone into punditry. He's eloquent, insightful and brings authority to any discussion about elite football, club or international. But he loves the time on the training field, the contact with players, the challenge of building a team.
The competitive juices have flowed ever since he was doubted as a kid breaking through at West Ham. There's still a sense with Lampard that he is driven by proving people wrong. And proving himself right. And driven by a passion for the game and for winning.
Lampard has experienced a mixed time in management (at Derby, Chelsea twice and Everton), some of it very good, some less so, but his persistence (278 games and counting) and now lauded work at Coventry highlights his maturing into a manager of genuine substance at 47.
At a time when Dan Ashworth and Kevin Thelwell at the FA are focusing on developing more home-grown coaches, Lampard's prominence is even more significant. Thomas Tuchel's successor? #LMAawards #PUSB
Dear football,
Today, I want to share with you that this season will be my last as a professional footballer. After so many years living my dream, I feel it’s time to start a new chapter in my life.
Being honest, even though I have been preparing myself for this moment, I found it hard to write this letter. After 20 seasons , many people have played an important role in my career.
When I first kicked a ball as a child in Pamplona with my schoolmates, I never imagined the amazing journey ahead. I’m grateful for every moment: the wins, the tough losses, the challenges, and most of all, the people I’ve met and the friendships I’ve made along the way.
To my teammates, coaches, and every staff member at all the clubs I’ve been lucky to be part of, thank you for helping me grow as a person and a player every day. Wearing the shirts of CA Osasuna, Olympique Marseille, Chelsea FC, Atlético de Madrid, Sevilla FC, and representing my country at the biggest stages has been a true privilege. Every moment has meant so much to me…
Scary for the league the manager has all his fire players ready from the 1st day of Pre-season.
This exclusions ( JP / Palmer / Estevao Injury / Colwill ) may be a blessing in disguise.
Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Xabi Alonso as Manager of the Men’s Team.
The Spaniard will begin his role on July 1, 2026, having agreed a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
Welcome to Chelsea, Xabi!