Chelsea legend Lampard a shock 'finalist' for coaching job

Stuart Telford

• 7 Dec 2023 04:37 CST
• 3 min read

Frank Lampard has emerged as a frontrunner for the vacant Charlotte FC Head coach's role according to reports in the USA.

Lampard has been out of work since his second spell as Chelsea manager - on an interim basis - came to an end last summer.

The Blues legend, who also won 106 caps with England as a player, was linked with the Rangers job before Philippe Clement was appointed to succeed Michael Beale, but could now secure a role across the pond.

Charlotte parted ways with Christian Lattanzio in November after The Crown, as they are known, were knocked out of the MLS Play Offs by New York Red Bulls at the Wild Card stage - which had followed a rock bottom finish in the Eastern Conference.

Lampard 'among the finalists'

"Sources: Frank Lampard and Dean Smith are among finalists for Charlotte FC's head coaching vacancy," tweeted The Athletic's MLS and USMNT insider Tom Bogert. "@Topbin90 1st reported interviews.

"Charlotte in final stage of coaching search. Unclear how many other finalists there are."

Lampard's name certainly carries more cachet than Smith's, but he won just one of his 11 matches in charge of Chelsea last season - a record low for the club - while Smith has impressed periodically in spells with Walsall and Aston Villa.

Lampard, who ended his playing career in MLS with New York City FC, is yet to comment on the speculation.

Argentinian winger Enzo Copetti is Charlotte's most valuable player according to FootballTransfers' in-house algorithm at €2.9 million, although fellow Designated Player Karol Swiderski was their most potent attacking force last season with 12 goals and five assists.

It nonetheless seems clear that owner David Teppler, who also owns the NFL's Carolina Panthers, will have to spend beyond recruiting what would be an expensive head coach.