3/1 To Win
It has been five months since the opening day of the season where Derby County beat Reading 2-1 at the Madjeski Stadium.
A Tom Lawrence header in the final seconds of the game sparked jubilant celebrations in the away dugout in what as a great introduction to management for Frank Lampard.
Since then, a lot has followed.
Goals for, goals against, VAR, cup runs, you name it.
The manager has experienced more in the past six months than some managers do in a lifetime, but he has also learned a lot along the way.
“I have a few more grey hairs than I did back in August!” he joked when speaking to RamsTV ahead of this afternoon’s game against the Royals.
“That’s the life of the manager. I wouldn’t say I've changed since then, but I have learned.
“You consistently learn as a player and a manager and obviously in the early days you learn a lot. So, hopefully, I have learned a lot. I am comfortable in my surroundings.
“Everything is new when you first get here but the more time you are here you integrate yourself with the squad, that’s the most important, but also the club, the community, the staff. I’m happy with where I am at.
“In terms of the squad, I think we have progressed. We have put in some really good performances and consistency is something we are striving for. Where we are at, and the hard work that I have got back from the squad, I have been delighted with. There is a long way to go but we have progressed.”
That game against the Royals on 3rd August, 168 days ago, was a perfect introduction to management life for Lampard.
Asked if it felt like a long time ago, Lampard replied: “It’s a weird one. It’s obviously not that long in time but so much has happened day to day.
“In a football club, so many things do happen. It feels like a lifetime but at the same time it passes you very quickly. I think I have learned a lot, we are all working in the same direction.
“I'm not sure if you had offered me at that stage of the season in game one against Reading that we would be sixth and had cup runs - and now in another cup run - whether I would be happy or not. I am relatively happy and it has hopefully set us up well for the next part of the season.”
The manager has had constant figures beside him. Jody Morris, Chris Jones and Shay Given are a soundboard to the boss as his immediate backroom staff.
“I absolutely need their input, it’s not science we are dealing with, it’s football,”
Lampard said. “Problems that need solutions come along everyday. They all offer a lot and I rely on them completely, we are a team. Hopefully the players can relate to all of us.”
Frank Lampard’s side take on Reading this afternoon (3pm kick-off).
Tickets are on sale from the following prices *:
Adult: £26
Senior Citizen: £18.50
Under 18: £15
2 to 12 Year Olds: £9
* Prices based on Category D & E areas.
