How has Frank Lampard done at Derby County so far?

Frank Lampard made the brave decision this season to take over as manager at Derby County, a move that many pundits applauded. His task was seen to be a difficult one, but the former Chelsea man has taken to the dugout like he’s been doing it for years.

The Carabao Cup saw a spark by the former midfielder’s side as they beat Manchester United on penalties after a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford. Then they almost beat his beloved Chelsea side under difficult circumstances given his side conceded two own goals. Eventually though they lost 3-2.

The Rams are doing fantastically in the league this season, currently, they sit 5th in the league having won eight of their sixteen league matches, which leaves them with 28 points out of a possible 48.

By this time last year under now Stoke City boss Gary Rowett they were on a very similar run sitting 6th in the league, that season ended with a late playoff finish. They lost to Fulham at Craven Cottage ending the season without promotion again.

Lampard who has now been in the dugout for just over five months has had a rollercoaster ride so far as he’s had big wins at Brentford, Sheffield United, and West Brom. Most recently Derby overturned a 1-0 deficit to win 3-1 against in-form Birmingham City.

However, the Englishman’s current problem is his side have been losing against some of the weaker sides in the league. With four losses so far this season, three have come against sides in the bottom seven of the league.

One of those losses was to Rotherham United which saw the boss get sent to the stands, which means he has only been sent off one time more as a player than he has a manager.

How Lampard lines his side up

4-2-3-1 is the most common formation that the side have deployed under the 40-year-old. Veterans Curtis Davies and Richard Keogh are the heart of the back-line with Scott Carson being the shot-stopper. In the midfield, there are two ball retaining midfielders with Bradley Johnson and Craig Bryson currently being more favoured.

Other’s that could be thrown into the mix are George Evans, Tom Huddlestone, and Joe Ledley. Ledley has however suffered a hip-related injury which could mean he’s unlikely to return soon.

In front of them commonly it’s Mason Mount, though while he’s trying to get over his ankle injury, it’s likely that Liverpool loanee Harry Wilson will take over.

Tom Lawerence has been a mainstay on the wing for the Championship side while Jack Marriott has been the main striker, with a goal return of six in 15, his place in the team is warranted.

How are the new boys doing? 

Nine players joined in the summer transfer window. Those included three loans Wilson, Mount, and Fikayo Tomori, the latter two from Chelsea.

Scott Malone came in at left-back while Evans, Duane Holmes, Florian Jozefzoon and Marriott came in as attacking reinforcements.

Of all the signings the three most impressive have been attackers. Welshman Wilson has made 14 appearances under his new boss and has been known for his free-kicks which have helped aid his four goals this season.

Chelsea loanee Mount has been as important netting five in 19 his creativity and movement has been a major part in the Championship sides success this season.

Finally, striker Marriott must be seen as their best signing this season, considering he’s the club’s top goal scorer and is among the top 25 scorers in the Championship.

Where can this go?

Mel Morris has had one main goal since becoming the owner of Derby County and that’s to return them to the Premier League. Since buying the Championship side, he’s appointed five managers with Lampard being the fifth.

If it all goes sour, then Morris has been known to wield his hammer and move onto the next manager but there is a feeling that the former England footballer Lampard may get more time than the club former employers.

It would be difficult to see this Derby side finish anywhere out of the top six as progression and continuity has been a big thing around this club. It’s likely that the Rams will improve on their sixth-place finish from last year, but this leagues as competitive as ever.

4th would be a good expectation for their first season under an inexperienced boss but whether they would have the bottle in the playoff it’s difficult to say.

Previous years would suggest they would lose in the playoffs as they’ve finished three times in the playoff spaces since their relegation back down to the Championship.

Could Lampard break the curse?

Simon Moyse on the Northern Challenge for the Championship

Simon Moyse on the Southern Challenge for the Championship

Derby next play Aston Villa on Saturday 10th November 2018.