When I first heard that ex Chelsea legend, Frank Lampard, hard entered the favourites list to become the next Celtic manager, my immediate reaction was “No f*****n way! We do not need a project manager!”. And to be honest, that was probably the reaction of many Celtic fans. A rookie manager, no experience of winning silverware taking over at a time when many would say we need experience to reclaim the Scottish Premiership from our Glasgow rivals.
Now I am not naïve. I did mention it was my immediate reaction but when you look into the finer detail, why not Frank Lampard? And, as the host of the popular Celtic show, The Celtic End Podcast, Stephen Wray, explains, why the clamour for Shaun Maloney over Lampard?
On last nights episode, Wray and co-host, Kevin McColgan, were discussing many topics relating to the Hoops until the conversation turned to the next Celtic manager and more specifically, Frank Lampard.
Wray made some excellent points on why Lampard should be appointed boss ahead of another bookies favourite, ex Celt Shaun Maloney, and I have to say, he has opened my mind to the possibility of Lampard taking up the Parkhead hot seat, “I’m not saying Frank Lampard is my number one choice or even top three, but I’m not against it as much as a lot of people seem to be, because he managed to get Derby, and playoff final and obviously lost out to Aston Villa, a very good Aston Villa side.
“And then obviously got the Chelsea gig and around a transfer embargo and had to use a lot of young players and don’t get me wrong, very good young players.
Lampard or Maloney for next Celtic boss?LampardMaloney
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“But he still managed to get fourth place, in the top four in the Premier League, and he’s been in the Champions League twice for Chelsea, and both times getting out the groups and into the last 16.
“So when you put it like that, he’s actually probably got more experience at European level, and a higher level club wise than most of the people that are linked with the job at Celtic. How can you say ‘Oh well I’d rather have Shaun Maloney than Frank Lampard?’ when Maloney has never managed in the Champions League or the Premier League?”
Wray and McColgan spoke a lot of sense on last nights show and have certainly put forward a great case for Lampard becoming the next Celtic gaffer.
The Celtic End Podcast is available to follow on Twitter where details are available to listen to their podcast.
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