On Tuesday, Chelsea have received permission to speak to Derby boss Frank Lampard about their vacant managerial position, according to Sky Sports. Chelsea saw head coach Maurizio Sarri leave the club after just one season to join Juventus earlier this summer. Lampard has always been earmarked as the Italian’s successor and it seems his appointment as Blues boss is imminent.

Lampard lacks managerial experience

Frank Lampard is no doubt a Chelsea club legend. He is the Blues record-ever goalscorer and played a part in the clubs most glittering period in their history as a player. His relationship with the club is not in doubt.

What is in doubt is Lampard’s managerial experience. The 41-year-old has enjoyed just one season in management, guiding Derby to the Championship play-off final, only to suffer defeat at the hands of Aston Villa.

In truth, the Rams started last season as one of the favourites to win promotion to the Premier League. Making the play-off final was not really that impressive achievement for Lampard in his debut managerial campaign. A return to Chelsea always seemed likely in the future. However, the opportunity seems to have come earlier than expected for the former England international.

Good move for the youngsters

Despite the lack of experience, Lampard has developed a reputation as a coach who is good with youngsters. He blooded a number of youngsters at Derby. His philosophy may continue at Chelsea.

His likely assistant boss Jody Morris, another former Blues midfielder, is renowned as an excellent coach of youngsters too. Morris has previously worked in the Chelsea youth set-up. The pair’s ability to coach young players could be vital with the Blues, as they are currently banned from bringing in new players this summer. That means that the club from south west London have to make do with the players already contracted to the club.

Chelsea have a high number of younger players in and around the first-team who could well step into the first-team squad. The likes of Ethan Ampadu, Fikayo Tomori, Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount all look like players who could have a bright future at the club.

The latter three impressed while on-loan in the Championship, Tomori and Mount playing under Lampard at Derby. All four of the above players could feature more in the Premier League next season.

The top-four a minimum target

The transfer ban may well prove a blessing in disguise for Lampard. It may just mean that the former England international will be allowed more time than under usual circumstances. As a club legend, he should also have more time than other bosses.

The minimum target for Chelsea next season will be the top-four. The Blues are still one of the four favourites to make the Champions League spots next season. The situation at Stamford Bridge is a fascinating one. Lampard is inexperienced at the top level of management and his appointment really could go either way. Only time will tell if Lampard’s imminent appointment will be a good one.

Will Frank Lampard be successful at Chelsea?