Peter Crouch: Lampard can bring feelgood factor back to Chelsea

Peter Crouch says the supporters and team could be galvanised by Frank Lampard's return

I didn’t see the Frank Lampard news coming – I’m not sure many did!

The new owners mean he has another chance at Chelsea as an interim manager.

And it does make sense to me because there’s a feelgood factor that he’ll bring as he’s such a big figure at the club.

There’s been a lot of negativity around Chelsea and they’ll hope this will galvanise everyone over the next few weeks.

And it should get the crowd back on-board too.

Once you get the supporters behind the team it makes it a lot easier for players on the pitch.

They’re still in the Champions League too. We all remember when they won it first, it was Roberto Di Matteo in charge having coming in under similar circumstances.

So, it’s a big opportunity for Frank to go in there and potentially do something incredible.

Spurs waiting game

I wouldn’t want to rush the decision on who replaces Conte because it’s such a big decision – they need to get this right.

They must think long-term and look to the future. I quite like Roberto De Zerbi from what I’ve seen and heard from players who’ve worked with him.

But whoever they choose, it has to be someone who will take the club forward and be progressive.

The negative style under Conte was bringing everyone down around the club.

Saying all this, the Champions League places are huge for Spurs – if the right person is available now, you’d want to get them in and try to get that top 4 place.

Roberto Di Zerbi

They could also learn the ropes now and plan for next year if they were in place soon.

But the priority has to be on picking the right candidate.

Evan Almighty

I’ve a seen a bit of Evan Ferguson for Brighton. He’s looked decent so far.

His age is a big part of what’s so impressive – he’s doing this at 18.

It’s been a while since Ireland had someone who looks so exciting and has that kind of quality.

He’s at a good club with a good manager, though big clubs are circling him and monitoring his progress.

I know Liverpool are tracking him and others will want him too if he keep playing like this.

Managerial Merry-Go-Round

There’s been so many managers sacked this season – the season has already set a Premier League record and there’s still plenty of time left for more.

I think it’s because the league is so tight at this season – anyone in the bottom half is a point off relegation, pretty much.

Brendan Rodgers

There’s no midtable clubs anymore.

When I was at Stoke, our aim was for top ten and there were seasons where we were quite comfortable.

It doesn’t feel like there’s many clubs like that now.

You’re either in the relegation fight or your looking at Europe.

Lots of teams are only a couple of games away from the drop if you’re in twelfth or lower and clubs decide to sack the manager if they’re worried about going down.

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