Frank Lampard’s three-year project was halfway there before the hammer fell from the top and ended all sentimentality. Get back to reality.
But Lampard certainly made his mark in the 18 months he was in charge of management, and not just bringing back some much-needed good vibes.
He and assistant Jody Morris engineered a huge paradigm shift by breaking down the proverbial barriers between the youth team and the main team and opening a way for the best kids to really make the leap for their elders (through loans or not) . Lampard has set a modern club record, giving at least eight youngsters from the Academy his debut and making known names like Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham, Reece James and Billy Gilmour. Their involvement in the main team should continue, regardless of who the next man in charge is – and hopefully, the next generation of Academy stars will have their chances too.
As expected, Cobham Kids were the first to send the best to the outgoing coach, but they were not the only ones, with newbies or veterans like Thiago Silva and César Azpilicueta also participating, most thanking Chelsea legend for transmit some of your priceless knowledge and experiences and for having faith in them.
One thing is certain, Lampard was highly respected (by most) in the dressing room. Of course, those who did not play were probably not so enthusiastic, but the factors that led to their dismissal did not depend on just one player or even a group of players. Let us remember the good times and hope for better times ahead.
(Try to resist the urge to keep score with these things. Not all players live on their phones or care about social media.)
TAMMY ABRAHAM
Put it succinctly and perfectly: “A model, a mentor and a great manager.”
REECE JAMES
Like many, Reece idolized Lampard as he grew up. That does not change.
BILLY GILMOUR
Hopefully, Billy G continues his meteoric rise and the next manager trusts him as much as Lampard did.
MASON MOUNT
Captain in Lampard’s last game. It doesn’t get much more symbolic than that. (Mount also thanks Morris specifically, which was great to see!)
BEN CHILWELL
Apparently, we must thank Lampard in the first place for having Chilwell in the club.
CHRISTIAN PULISIC
Pulisic’s journey under Lampard did not please all observers, but he nonetheless thanked Lampard for his confidence.
CÉSAR AZPILICUETA
Teammates once. Legends forever.
THIAGO SILVA
And speaking of legends. Silva is a striking presence on social media and knows a thing or two about respect.
ÉDOUARD MENDY
Mendy’s story is wonderful and his goalkeeper is also almost as good.
MICHY BATSHUAYI
Of course, a round of social media features Michy, even though he only showed up for about six months with Lampard.
We will update this post if any more players post goodbyes on social media in the coming days.
So far, here is John Terry with the ultimate truth. Legends Forever, indeed.