3/1 To Win
Derby County can confirm that Shay Given, Chris Jones and Stephen Rands have agreed to join Frank Lampard’s backroom staff at Derby County ahead of the 2018/19 season.
Given - the most capped goalkeeper in the history of the Republic of Ireland national team - will arrive as Head Goalkeeping Coach on 9th July, whilst Jones joins immediately from Chelsea as First Team Coach and Rands arrives from Premier League champions Manchester City as Head of Performance Analysis.
Prior to Given’s arrival, Academy Goalkeeping Coach Jason Pearcey will work with the first-team squad’s shot-stoppers during the interim period.
The role will be Given’s first in coaching since he ended his impressive 23-year playing career at the climax of the 2016/17 campaign.
Speaking about Given’s arrival, Lampard told dcfc.co.uk: “I know Shay and his standing in the game as a goalkeeper and he’s right up there at the very top.
“He’s had many, many, years as a top goalkeeper. Performance wise he was incredible and he has now achieved his goalkeeper coaching license.
“I’m very pleased to have Shay as part of the team and not just for what he will bring as a goalkeeper coach, but what he will also bring to the dressing room in a much broader scheme.”
Born in Lifford, County Donegal, Given joined the Celtic Academy as a teenager and his performances persuaded the Bhoys’ legend Kenny Dalglish to bring the goalkeeper to Blackburn Rovers, where he was manager.
However, Given is most recognised for his outstanding service to Newcastle United, where he made over 450 appearances before departing for Manchester City in 2009. He then went on to have spells at Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and Stoke City.
He earned 134 caps throughout a 20-year international career, during which he appeared at the 2002 FIFA World Cup and 2012 UEFA European Championships.
Jones, meanwhile, joined the backroom staff at Chelsea in 2006, following three years at the Fulham Academy after graduating from Loughborough University with a degree in sports science.
Speaking about Jones’ arrival, Lampard added: “I worked very closely with Chris at Chelsea. He had 12 very successful years there and was integral to what was a real golden era for the club.
“Firstly, Chris’ first skill would be fitness and performance, but he has evolved into a first team coach as well.
“He did a lot of work at Chelsea under managers like Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte and Guus Hiddink.
“I know the skillset that Chris will bring. He has a fantastic knowledge of the game, is great with the players and he will be massively important to me on the training pitch when it comes to putting across the ideas I want to get into the squad.”
Initially with the Academy at Stamford Bridge, he stepped up to the first-team in 2008 and was part of Roberto Di Matteo’s staff when Lampard lifted the UEFA Champions League as Chelsea conquered Europe in 2012.
He continued to operate within the first-team structure beyond Lampard’s departure in 2014.
During his time in West London, Jones worked with Carlo Ancelotti, Andre Villas-Boas, Roberto Di Matteo, Rafael Benítez, José Mourinho, Guus Hiddink and Antonio Conte.
Rands, meanwhile, joined Manchester City from Scunthorpe United in September 2011 as Performance Analyst, when Roberto Mancini was in charge at the Etihad Stadium.
He was promoted to the role of Lead First Team Performance Analyst in August 2016, shortly after Pep Guardiola became manager of the club.
During his seven years at City, he worked under Mancini, Manuel Pellegrini and Guardiola.
His time at City coincided with Lampard’s single season at the club in 2014/15, prior to his move to MLS side New York City FC.
Reacting to the appointment, Lampard said: “Bringing in Steve’s technical and analytical qualities, and experience from many years in the game, is a great addition to the team.
“At Manchester City he worked alongside great managers and world class players at a fantastic club with a great structure.
“Steve is looking for a new challenge and he can be massively important for us in terms of the work we are looking to do on and off the pitch. When it comes to analysis I believe he is at the top, top end of his game and he will help everybody here.”
