Frank Lampard

[Styles 9,790]

So give him a full-time coaching role then. Everybody's happy.

Lampard is 36 in a month, we have a fundamental problem in our midfield that needs to be resolved once and for all and giving him a 5m+ contract out of sentiment just doesn't make much sense.

If we improve in the way that we need to this summer then any minutes Lampard would get would be better served being given to one of our many young prospects.

I get it, Lampard is an absolute legend and deserves respect but that's just how I see it.

[The Skipper 20,609]

Exactly. Ashley Cole is a legend. Frank Lampard is our greatest-ever player. There's an absolute emotional gulf between the two.

There is a time where one must look past sentiment though, and Frank's time has come. Definitely our greatest ever player but if it came between signing Ash and Frank I'd go for the former because he'd still be a pretty useful player in the squad - not sure we can say the same about Frank sadly.

[The only place to be 11,313]

So give him a full-time coaching role then. Everybody's happy.

Lampard is 36 in a month, we have a fundamental problem in our midfield that needs to be resolved once and for all and giving him a 5m+ contract out of sentiment just doesn't make much sense.

If we improve in the way that we need to this summer then any minutes Lampard would get would be better served being given to one of our many young prospects.

I get it, Lampard is an absolute legend and deserves respect but that's just how I see it.

Lamps is also a fantastic ambassador for this club and a great example for every player in the squad. He can still play a role in certain games but it's also important to bear in mind that if he were to leave then our senior midfielder would be Ramires at 27. A player-coach role on reduced wages is probably my preferred option for him.

[Sidzeret 2,257]

We shouldn't be having a problem with our greatest ever player wanting to leave on a high note. Lamps deserves another PL medal before he leaves. Maybe the only reason I still want him here for another year but I reckon that is not too much of an ask.

Its not FFP suicide to pay his wages for one more year. Sign him up.

[Alan Partridge 1,124]

I was hoping Lampard, Terry, Cole could stay for one last season. If we won the league next season then it would be a great way for them to leave.

MLS would take them all after that, I know Lamps has mentioned about playing in the States.

[Styles 9,790]

Lamps is also a fantastic ambassador for this club and a great example for every player in the squad. He can still play a role in certain games but it's also important to bear in mind that if he were to leave then our senior midfielder would be Ramires at 27. A player-coach role on reduced wages is probably my preferred option for him.

He can continue to be an ambassador and example without actually having to play.

27 is almost the ideal age, that's when a player is at his athletic peak and has more than enough experience. In Ramires' case he has 338 career games so experience at that age is not even in question. Having said that Ramires' lack of technical ability makes that all virtually pointless.

It all comes down to improving for me and giving a 36 year old player a new contract isn't a step in the right direction.

[The only place to be 11,313]

He can continue to be an ambassador and example without actually having to play.

27 is almost the ideal age, that's when a player is at his athletic peak and has more than enough experience. In Ramires' case he has 338 career games so experience at that age is not even in question. Having said that Ramires' lack of technical ability makes that all virtually pointless.

It all comes down to improving for me and giving a 36 year old players a new contract isn't a step in the right direction.

Ramires simply isn't the guy I'd want as the senior voice amongst the midfielders. He still struggles to speak English for fuck's sake....mentally he's just not there. This isn't just any 36 year old either. Frank showed against Liverpool that he can still do a job for us, maybe not as consistently as he did a few years ago but every now and then he's still more than good enough for us.

[Reddish-Blue 2,489]

Ramires simply isn't the guy I'd want as the senior voice amongst the midfielders. He still struggles to speak English for fuck's sake....mentally he's just not there. This isn't just any 36 year old either. Frank showed against Liverpool that he can still do a job for us, maybe not as consistently as he did a few years ago but every now and then he's still more than good enough for us.

Your previous suggestion about Lampard staying as a player-coach is a good option.

He's still one of our leaders from midfield and with his level of experience, he could probably pass on useful advice to the likes of Van Ginkel, Chalobah (if he's part of the first team) throughout next season

[Styles 9,790]

Ramires simply isn't the guy I'd want as the senior voice amongst the midfielders. He still struggles to speak English for fuck's sake....mentally he's just not there. This isn't just any 36 year old either. Frank showed against Liverpool that he can still do a job for us, maybe not as consistently as he did a few years ago but every now and then he's still more than good enough for us.

Sticking strictly to the age point, if Ramires was a better player I'd have absolutely no problem with him being our most senior midfielder at 27. Our midfield problem will be solved by bringing in a quality, long-term partner for Matic and opening up a path for the many talented young players. I do think Lampard will get a new deal though, mainly because of the home-grown quota stuff that is a bit of an issue for us.

[The only place to be 11,313]

Sticking strictly to the age point, if Ramires was a better player I'd have absolutely no problem with him being our most senior midfielder at 27. Our midfield problem will be solved by bringing in a quality, long-term partner for Matic and opening up a path for the many talented young players. I do think Lampard will get a new deal though, mainly because of the home-grown quota stuff that is a bit of an issue for us.

What if those two things are one in the same? I don't know who this 'quality, long-term partner' is (maybe someone like Rakitic who would cost £25 million) but is it definitely not Van Ginkel? Is it definitely not Chalobah or RLC? I'd be content with taking a flyer on a low-risk option like Paulinho or Song, but then you look at what City got from Fernandinho....

[MrExcalibur100 7,124]

JT (ok, already signed up), Lamps and Cole all should stay. Apart from the undoubted experience they provide to the rest of the squad, they are still top quality players. Jose has already said he wants them to stay, so I guess it's all about agreeing on the wages.

[Styles 9,790]

What if those two things are one in the same? I don't know who this 'quality, long-term partner' is (maybe someone like Rakitic who would cost £25 million) but is it definitely not Van Ginkel? Is it definitely not Chalobah or RLC? I'd be content with taking a flyer on a low-risk option like Paulinho or Song, but then you look at what City got from Fernandinho....

MvG is an interesting player; one who will ideally be part of the rotation and offering cover/competition for places. I'd personally hope that Lewis Baker is around the first team next season getting minutes.

For me a midfield hierarchy next season would look like:

Matic + partner

Ramires - MvG

Lewis Baker - Chalobah/RLC/Swift etc

[The only place to be 11,313]

MvG is an interesting player; one who will ideally be part of the rotation and offering cover/competition for places. I'd personally hope that Lewis Baker is around the first team next season getting minutes.

For me a midfield hierarchy next season would look like:

Matic + partner

Ramires - MvG

Lewis Baker - Chalobah/RLC/Swift etc

Baker and Swift probably need loans, preferably to someone like Boro. RLC could leapfrog that process. I think this pre-season is going to be fascinating in terms of competition for spots.

[Laylabelle 9,534]

Awww he's vice captain for England

[Styles 9,790]

Baker and Swift probably need loans, preferably to someone like Boro. RLC could leapfrog that process. I think this pre-season is going to be fascinating in terms of competition for spots.

Yeah, with the senior players getting an extended break the likes of Baker-RLC-Swift have a chance to impress in the first few friendlies.