Frank Lampard

[Corner 456]

I thought we started the Everton game as we have done the other matches (Rami on the right, Lamps and Luiz in midfield).

I could be wrong but I'm 80% sure that we started with a 4-3-3. I think many just assumed it was a 4-2-3-1 with Ramires on the right of the 3. But if you look closely you'll see Ramires is sitting deeper and is more infield and in a compact trio with Lamps and Luiz, while Mata is mostly on the right wing and Hazard on the left. Benitez shouts something after 30 minutes and you can see an immediate change in those positions. Plus, as soon as Mata came back into the middle, we were dangerous again.

I think the idea that Benitez had was that if we played 3 in midfield and they had 2, we would be able to dominate possession. It didn't work at all though because of how high up Everton pressed us. Mata moved back into the middle, he had to be track, which left gaps through the middle for us.

That's how I saw the game pan out anyway.

Now by no means was Lamps the only bad player in that opening, but maybe I expected more because of his 'experience' (and the same goes for Cole who was way off the pace). The problem with this whole issue is that it's dividing fans and taking so much of the focus. This was always going to be a tough move to make but the fact that it's still 5 months off is just dragging it out. It looks like it's a dead cert and we're looking to replace him, but some of the shit people are coming out with is simply hysterical and they're losing all perspective. Yes he's a great player, and I've loved watching him at the Bridge for many a year and he's contributed to more than his fair share of hangovers and missed trains, but the club is bigger than one man. We'll not be boarding up the windows when he leaves as some might have you believe. Frank will leave in the summer and I'll still back us to win the league if we get the right manager in. He could even sign for United and I'd say we were favourites. If I can say that at the start of the season, then I count myself as a very lucky football supporter.

I really really don't want to get into a discussion about Lampard at the moment but I will say this:

He's been an amazing player for us. I've loved watching him for the last ten years. He's scored many important goals and I will never forget everything has done for us. I can understand why many people are angry about him leaving. I can also understand why the board don't seem to be willing to offer him a new contract.

But what's amazing (and really interesting) is how much people are affected by the media, and so easily! I'm pretty much a neutral in all of this but I have to say that not many people were talking about the Lampard situation until the media decided to make Chelsea look evil again. And oh how people buy into it so easily. I have actually seen people on here and in person use the exact arguments that I saw being reported in the media for the past few days. I don't even think they realize.

It's very interesting (fuck, I sound like a nerd).

[Fulham Broadway 16,987]

Don't buy the argument that this issue is dividing fans. 99% wan't this legend here come the first game next season 1% don't. It divides board and fans but so does most things unfortunately.

Fucking spot on Dave. Thers only a small minority, the sort that were prefects, or suck up to their bosses, and who rate Buck and Emanalo, who want to seem 'sensible'.

All pundits, media neutrals think its a mad decision. I even agreed with Hansen, Lineker and Shearer on MOTD when they said it was mad to let him go.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

I even agreed with Hansen, Lineker and Shearer

I'd see a doctor if I were you..

[The only place to be 11,313]

I watched the match, did you watch yesterday? the whole team was poor for 30 mins. Noone is saying he is the lamps of old, BUT the fact he keeps scoring, keeps producing the decisive passes, and STILL gets into goalscoring positions (which he usually scores, could of had a trick yesterday) mean he deserves this contract, hes EARNED it. Torres does not even get into the positions lamps does and hes suppose to be our main striker?

What the fuck has Torres got to do with it?? He's shit. Ba is our main striker in my opinion now.

And yes I watched the whole game yesterday and I thought he had a good game after the first 30, but the amount of time Stoke gave us on the ball was incredible. I don't know if he's the best choice next season, and I don't know if the new manager would want him.

How can you say move him on. He's producing week in, week out. If you're basing what you say on the first 30 of yesterday, then Hazard should go and Mata cause they were non existent for the first 30. Hazard bottled 50/50's and had a number of misplaced passes, but look what happened, the goal came through luck then the team came together and showed up. Hazard was immense after that.

He isn't producing week in and week out though. He was appalling against QPR and we didn't miss him in the slightest against Southampton. I love the guy (like I've said many times) but I think the summer is the perfect time for him to leave. He's coming to the end of his contract and we will hopefully have a new manager. We're moving on from one period to another and I'd prefer to see him go out when he's still the player I recognise than become a bit-part player.

Have a word.

Have a word with yourself.

Don't buy the argument that this issue is dividing fans. 99% wan't this legend here come the first game next season 1% don't. It divides board and fans but so does most things unfortunately.

I disagree with that. I've sung his name in recent weeks but that doesn't mean I want the club to offer him a new contract. In fact I've spoken to plenty of fans who aren't predicting the demise of the club when he leaves.

Fucking spot on Dave. Thers only a small minority, the sort that were prefects, or suck up to their bosses, and who rate Buck and Emanalo, who want to seem 'sensible'.

All pundits, media neutrals think its a mad decision. I even agreed with Hansen, Lineker and Shearer on MOTD when they said it was mad to let him go.

I was never a prefect (torn up for weeks because of it) and I don't have a boss (freelancer, just can't cope with people who do suck up to bosses), but I'm fine with the decision to let him go. I'll shed a tear (like I have done many times at the Bridge, sometimes due to Frank) but the club will move on.

I've also defended Buck and Emenalo because I think they've done a good job. I know it's fashionable and easy to blame the board (who hasn't partaken in that laziest of football cliches) but when I look at what we're trying to do, I can't say I'm not excited about the next decade of supporting the club.

I could be wrong but I'm 80% sure that we started with a 4-3-3. I think many just assumed it was a 4-2-3-1 with Ramires on the right of the 3. But if you look closely you'll see Ramires is sitting deeper and is more infield and in a compact trio with Lamps and Luiz, while Mata is mostly on the right wing and Hazard on the left. Benitez shouts something after 30 minutes and you can see an immediate change in those positions. Plus, as soon as Mata came back into the middle, we were dangerous again.

I think the idea that Benitez had was that if we played 3 in midfield and they had 2, we would be able to dominate possession. It didn't work at all though because of how high up Everton pressed us. Mata moved back into the middle, he had to be track, which left gaps through the middle for us.

That's how I saw the game pan out anyway.

I really really don't want to get into a discussion about Lampard at the moment but I will say this:

He's been an amazing player for us. I've loved watching him for the last ten years. He's scored many important goals and I will never forget everything has done for us. I can understand why many people are angry about him leaving. I can also understand why the board don't seem to be willing to offer him a new contract.

But what's amazing (and really interesting) is how much people are affected by the media, and so easily! I'm pretty much a neutral in all of this but I have to say that not many people were talking about the Lampard situation until the media decided to make Chelsea look evil again. And oh how people buy into it so easily. I have actually seen people on here and in person use the exact arguments that I saw being reported in the media for the past few days. I don't even think they realize.

It's very interesting (fuck, I sound like a nerd).

Great, reasoned post (keep up with that and you'll get your prefect's badge ).

I love how this thread explodes (and I'm by no means innocent of this) as soon as the media starts with the outpourings of praise that follows a decent performance.

[Fulham Broadway 16,987]

I'd see a doctor if I were you..

I know it was weird but they all agreed it is idiotic to let Lampard go.

Not even pundits are playing devils advocate, just a few internet people and Red supporting Daily Mail commenters by the looks of things

[The only place to be 11,313]

I know it was weird but they all agreed it is idiotic to let Lampard go

Alan 'You'll never win anything with kids' Hansen and Alan 'I'm a totally shit manager but I've never said anything noteworthy or interesting that can be paraphrased to succinctly some up just how little I actually know about football' Shearer said that??

Until Garth Crooks offers his opinion it's impossible to know what we should do, wouldn't you say?

[Corner 456]

I love how this thread explodes (and I'm by no means innocent of this) as soon as the media starts with the outpourings of praise that follows a decent performance.

I know, but that's always going to happen. Unless you intentionally try not to be affected by the media, you will be.

While watching Match of the Day yesterday, I actually asked my mate, who is a neutral as a Birmingham supporter, what he thinks of all of this? And he just said he's fed up of hearing about Lampard's contract. It seems that most other fans are fed of hearing about it. He also mentioned that it seems to only be United and Liverpool fans putting up facebook statuses saying 'Chelsea are a bunch of cunts to not give Lampard a new contract.'

So basically, most other fans are as sick of hearing about it as I am, but United and Liverpool fans will do everything they can do make us look like shit. No surprises there.

[Fulham Broadway 16,987]

Alan 'You'll never win anything with kids' Hansen and Alan 'I'm a totally shit manager but I've never said anything noteworthy or interesting that can be paraphrased to succinctly some up just how little I actually know about football' Shearer said that??

Until Garth Crooks offers his opinion it's impossible to know what we should do, wouldn't you say?

The three amigos actually talking sense for once !

Garth says some shit now and again as well.He'd get more respect if he came out (allegedly).

[DDA 9,741]

Alan 'You'll never win anything with kids' Hansen and Alan 'I'm a totally shit manager but I've never said anything noteworthy or interesting that can be paraphrased to succinctly some up just how little I actually know about football' Shearer said that??

Until Garth Crooks offers his opinion it's impossible to know what we should do, wouldn't you say?

Why are you soo, pro 'Lampard leaving' ? Why would any Blues fan want arguebly one of their best players if not the best player of all time to leave when he still has games left in him of the quality he is showing of recent..... and don't tell me it has anything to do with money because when has money mattered since Roman's arrival!

[The only place to be 11,313]

The three amigos actually talking sense for once !

Garth says some shit now and again as well.He'd get more respect if he came out (allegedly).

Came out as what? A token appointment? Think that's pretty obvious to anyone who's seen him try and offer an opinion (his sexuality doesn't particularly concern me - the only thing I'm certain he's ever tried to fuck is the English language).

I think there's a narrative in the media and it appeals to middle-aged men, who want to think that 'experience' trumps youth and talent. Considering the age of pundits, that doesn't surprise me.

Why are you soo, pro 'Lampard leaving' ? Why would any Blues fan want arguebly one of their best players if not the best player of all time to leave when he still has games left in him of the quality he is showing of recent..... and don't tell me it has anything to do with money because when has money mattered since Roman's arrival!

I'm not as 'pro-Lampard leaving' to be honest. I'm simply 'anti-hysterical bleating'. I think it's the right time for him to leave because I see this summer as being a massive period of transition from what was started in 2003, to something different. This next managerial appointment will be a watershed moment in our club's history, and a legend leaving isn't actually as big a deal in my opinion.

I think there are players out there who will suit next season's team better than him, and I'm not convinced his presence would be best for the club.

I know, but that's always going to happen. Unless you intentionally try not to be affected by the media, you will be.

While watching Match of the Day yesterday, I actually asked my mate, who is a neutral as a Birmingham supporter, what he thinks of all of this? And he just said he's fed up of hearing about Lampard's contract. It seems that most other fans are fed of hearing about it. He also mentioned that it seems to only be United and Liverpool fans putting up facebook statuses saying 'Chelsea are a bunch of cunts to not give Lampard a new contract.'

So basically, most other fans are as sick of hearing about it as I am, but United and Liverpool fans will do everything they can do make us look like shit. No surprises there.

I'm sick of it too and for most of the same reasons. I'm also sick of hearing about 'Giggs and Scholes' as if that's an argument for Lampard staying.

It's one of a number of reasons I want this season over. If I'm honest, supporting Chelsea hasn't exactly been fun this year.

[Hutcho 8,443]

In the end of the day when all is said a done... I will have Lampard 8 printed on my shirt for many seasons to come weather he stays or leaves simply because he is an absolute Legend in the eyes of every Chelsea fan.. and he has always given us 1000% and come up with the goods when it has mata'd. For all the amazing memories he has given me I will never forget, we will never forget..

AMEN!

[Fulham Broadway 16,987]

I'm not as 'pro-Lampard leaving' to be honest. I'm simply 'anti-hysterical bleating'. I think it's the right time for him to leave because I see this summer as being a massive period of transition from what was started in 2003, to something different. This next managerial appointment will be a watershed moment in our club's history, and a legend leaving isn't actually as big a deal in my opinion.

I think there are players out there who will suit next season's team better than him, and I'm not convinced his presence would be best for the club.

So youre basing your non -hysterical view points on what you think next season will all be about. The next manager will be a 'Watershed' moment. Based on what ? What you think will happen ? Even though according to media reports today the saviour you reckon is coming ,Guardiola, is going to Man City.

i prefer to live in the here and now and it all points to keeping Chelseas greatest player. It doesnt mean he has to play week in week out -but as long as his massive contribution continues you have to be insane or a troll to say get rid.

[butchercoat 60]

I've come late to this discussion and on reading back through some of the posts I feel that the should he go or should the legend that is Frank Lampard stay is moot. What I'm hearing or strongly hinted at elsewhere is that Romans has a long memory and he feels that Frank along with JT and Ashley Cole were the ringleaders in the conspiracey to get rid of Roman golden boy AVB and under no circumstances will Frank be offered a new contract of any length even if he were to smash BTs goal record this season. It's Romans club but it is pathetic to cut of your nose to spite your face....

[The only place to be 11,313]

So youre basing your non -hysterical view points on what you think next season will all be about. The next manager will be a 'Watershed' moment. Based on what ? What you think will happen ? Even though according to media reports today the saviour you reckon is coming ,Guardiola, is going to Man City.

i prefer to live in the here and now and it all points to keeping Chelseas greatest player. It doesnt mean he has to play week in week out -but as long as his massive contribution continues you have to be insane or a troll to say get rid.

The club is looking to change the way it does things. In 2003-2005 we bought established players to basically play catch-up to the big teams. Now with FFP, I think Roman wants us to become self-sufficient and develop our own talent. It's been 10 years since we invested heavily in the academy and we're starting to see some really exciting talent come through.

You say according to media reports - I say according to The Sun. The Mail reported something differently a month ago and Marca reported something different a few days ago. I don't see Guardiola as a saviour, but as the best choice based on what we're doing in the here and now. Similarly, I don't think Lampard is the best player for that midfield position. That's all it comes down to.

People like you may want to call me a troll, and others may suggest I'm a pedo obsessed with youth. The problem is I've said we should keep Ashley Cole precisely because he's the best in the world in his position. If Lampard was in the same situation, maybe I'd want him to be offered a new contract but he isn't (he was a few years ago in my view).

[Fulham Broadway 16,987]

The club is looking to change the way it does things. In 2003-2005 we bought established players to basically play catch-up to the big teams. Now with FFP, I think Roman wants us to become self-sufficient and develop our own talent. It's been 10 years since we invested heavily in the academy and we're starting to see some really exciting talent come through.

You say according to media reports - I say according to The Sun. The Mail reported something differently a month ago and Marca reported something different a few days ago. I don't see Guardiola as a saviour, but as the best choice based on what we're doing in the here and now. Similarly, I don't think Lampard is the best player for that midfield position. That's all it comes down to.

People like you may want to call me a troll, and others may suggest I'm a pedo obsessed with youth. The problem is I've said we should keep Ashley Cole precisely because he's the best in the world in his position. If Lampard was in the same situation, maybe I'd want him to be offered a new contract but he isn't (he was a few years ago in my view).

Again you think Abramovich wants the club to become self-sufficient. To me he is an immature billionaire who would rather have a Roy of the Rovers type club and buy Shevchenko and Torres type players, surrounded by yes men, whos chucks managers about like used tissues. For that reason Guardiola wont be coming unless hes a short term mercenary.

The board who i know you defend, are lining their own pockets and doff their caps to Abramovich.

Ferguson by all accounts wants Lampard. If Lampard was at United, and Ferguson wanted him to stay theres no way the board at United, or the Glazers would get involved. The autocratic power we are dealing with at CFC is top down from an owner who has that same lost look in his eyes as Torres, but has people saying 'Yes Roman, three bags full Roman'.

Thats why it doesnt seem odd when Rafa says 'I dont know what will happen with Lampard'. He doesnt have a say, which comes back to why Mourinho left, and why later because of castrated managers there was a vacuum filled by player power.

[The only place to be 11,313]

Again you think Abramovich wants the club to become self-sufficient. To me he is an immature billionaire who would rather have a Roy of the Rovers type club and buy Shevchenko and Torres type players, surrounded by yes men, whos chucks managers about like used tissues. For that reason Guardiola wont be coming unless hes a short term mercenary.

An immature billionaire?? Do you know many self-made billionaires who act immaturely? Yes it's a fun thing to own, but it's also a business which is why he's made attempts to reduce the wage bill, buy youngsters who have long-term value and expand the Bridge or move us elsewhere. He wants a long-term manager, which is why he went for AVB.

The board who i know you defend, are lining their own pockets and doff their caps to Abramovich.

I've defended the job they've done, which is actually not that hard to do when you look at what they've done. You criticise 'the board' because it's easy, not because you have a single clue what each person on the board actually does.

Ferguson by all accounts wants Lampard. If Lampard was at United, and Ferguson wanted him to stay theres no way the board at United, or the Glazers would get involved. The autocratic power we are dealing with at CFC is top down from an owner who has that same lost look in his eyes as Torres, but has people saying 'Yes Roman, three bags full Roman'.

Again, you haven't got a clue. United have a completely different structure to us because they have Fergie. They're unique in world football (except for Arsenal in some regards), but see what happens after he goes. You need a consistent presence at a club and right now the board are that for us. They're the ones with the long-term planning and since Emenalo took over as DoF, I don't think he's done a bad job. What we need is a top coach for the first-team and in-turn the academy.

Thats why it doesnt seem odd when Rafa says 'I dont know what will happen with Lampard'. He doesnt have a say, which comes back to why Mourinho left, and why later because of castrated managers there was a vacuum filled by player power.

I agree with this. The players (Drogba, Terry and Lampard) were allowed to have far more power than they ever should have and I think that is something Roman wants to rectify. You can see the results of it last year with us achieving great success in the CL but also suffering in the league.

The problem is that I think the fans are helping to reinforce the power someone like Frank has at the club and I'm not sure if that's in our best interests. You referred to Ferguson earlier - would he ever let a player attain that type of power at United?

[Fulham Broadway 16,987]

An immature billionaire?? Do you know many self-made billionaires who act so immaturely? Yes it's fun, but it's also a business which is why he's made attempts to reduce the wage bill, buy youngsters who have long-term value and looked to expand the Bridge or move us elsewhere. He wants a long-term manager, which is why he went for AVB.

Self made or someone who positioned himself round a permanently drunk Yeltsin to seize public assets at a knockdown price, then buy a club in the UK to avoid any possible extradition ? Then why sack AVB ?

I've defended the job they've done, which is actually not that hard to do when you look at what they've done. You criticise 'the board' because it's easy, not because you have a single clue what each person on the board actually does. It's easy.

I criticize the board because like other fans I pay their wages. Intrigued to hear you enlighten us with their 'achievemnets'.

Again, you haven't got a clue. United have a completely different structure to us because they have Fergie. They're unique in world football (except for Arsenal in some regards), but see what happens after he goes. You need a consistent presence at a club and right now the board are that for us. They're the ones with the long-term planning and since Emenalo took over as DoF, I don't think he's done a bad job.

I agree with this. The players (Drogba, Terry and Lampard) were allowed to have far more power than they ever should have and I think that is something Roman wants to rectify. You can see the results of it last year with us achieving great success in the CL but suffering in the league.

The problem is that I think the fans are helping to reinforce the power someone like Frank has at the club and I'm not sure if that's in our best interests. You referred to Ferguson earlier - would he ever let a player attain that type of power at United?

Hysterical to think Lampard has 'power'at the club . theres not the slightest evidence. If Abramovich is paranoid over player power its his fault for having no consistency in managers. You seem to get off on arguing the toss with the consensus of Chelsea fans just for the sake of it -''Rafas a good appointment, Lampard must go, the sun shines out of the boards arse ....'' Strange. You must have some lively debate in the Matthew Harding Stand....

[The only place to be 11,313]

Self made or someone who positioned himself round a permanently drunk Yeltsin to seize public assets at a knockdown price, then buy a club in the UK to avoid any possible extradition ? Then why sack AVB ?

Because AVB's position became untenable. He became a joke amongst the playing staff, but also amongst some of the coaching and office staff.

I criticize the board because like other fans I pay their wages. Intrigued to hear you enlighten us with their 'achievemnets'.

I pay their wages too. Do you not think the Champions League was an achievement? Fair enough.

What about the Youth team's successes which have been great to watch? What about the signings of some of the world's most promising youngsters? What about actually making a profit in the first FFP monitoring period? What about the commercial deals done by Gourlay?

I'd be more interested to hear what you think they've done so wrong, who you think should take the blame for each and who you'd hire to replace them.

Hysterical to think Lampard has 'power'at the club . theres not the slightest evidence. If Abramovich is paranoid over player power its his fault for having no consistency in managers.

I want consistency in the managerial position as much as anyone, but they simply haven't done the job (except Mourinho arguably). Sacking Scolari, Ancelotti, AVB and RDM were all arguably the right decisions (two sackings led to Champions League Finals, one of which we won after being 3-1 against Napoli). You need the right guy to be able to stick with him and it's hard to get right.

You seem to get off on arguing the toss with the consensus of Chelsea fans just for the sake of it -''Rafas a good appointment, Lampard must go, the sun shines out of the boards arse ....'' Strange. You must have some lively debate in the Matthew Harding Stand....

I don't. I disagree with things I find disagreeable. You'll note I've kept it civil despite being called a child rapist - something you don't seem to have a problem with.

As for my positions, I was prepared to give Rafa time as interim manager, I've said I think it's the best thing for Chelsea if Lampard goes now and I think the board haven't been the cunts other people suggest.

I've had many great chats with lots of great fans over my many years of going to Chelsea an away matches. I'll be quite honest - this place doesn't reflect that experience by and large. Maybe it's the anonymity of the internet or it's a different type of fan, but I've never seen so many people throw this club under the bus if we go 1-0 down away to Everton or make a move in the transfer market.