Lampard tipped as an ‘interesting’ option to replace Lennon at Celtic

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 2 min read

Frank Lampard would be an interesting option for the vacant Celtic manager’s job, according to former Hoops defender Mark Wilson.

Sacked from Chelsea in December following a poor run of results, Lampard is one of the names associated with the Parkhead role, which was left vacant as Neil Lennon quit on Thursday.

Celtic had been chasing 10 successive league titles but find themselves 18 points behind rivals Rangers with only nine matches of the season remaining. As such, Neil Lennon finally buckled under pressure from fans and resigned from the manager’s post on Tuesday.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Wilson said: “A lot of the big names that manage down south are the front runners now.

“I see Stevie Clarke as a front runner. He might be someone who could come in and get the job done. Would he want to leave Scotland at this crucial period or would he do it after the summer?

“Frank Lampard would be another interesting one. But there are split opinions on him.

“The Celtic hierarchy have a tough job to do to appease the fans.”

Former Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe is another name to have been closely linked with the post.

Gerrard v Lampard rivalry to resume?

If Lampard was to take charge of Chelsea, it would see him lock horns with Steven Gerrard, who has enjoyed profound success across the city with Rangers.

Gerrard is set to lead the Gers to their first league title since 2011 and also has them well positioned to qualify for the last 16 of the Europa League.

The pair were big rivals in their playing days with Chelsea and Liverpool respectively. Not only were their clubs regularly challenging at the top of the Premier League table, they also had a personal duel to secure a position in the England squad.

Although both were profoundly talented individuals, they were never able to dovetail together, which meant it was often a choice for the national team boss to play one or the other.

Gerrard ultimately won 114 caps for England, while Lampard, who is Chelsea’s all-time leading scorer played 106 times for his country.