3/1 To Win
Curtis Davies has faced Derby County’s new manager on the pitch many times as a player, now the Rams defender is excited to be on the same side, playing under Frank Lampard.
Derby announced Lampard's appointment last Thursday on a three-year deal and he will take his first managerial steps after calling time on his illustrious 20-year playing career.
Davies and Lampard are already well acquainted on the pitch having clashed in the Premier League while Lampard played for Chelsea and Manchester City and Davies turned out for West Bromwich Albion, Aston Villa, Birmingham City and Hull City.
Now, the centre-back is eager to return to Pride Park Stadium and learn from someone he has idolised as a player.
However, first on the agenda for Davies is…
“The first thing I want to do is get my shirt signed!” Davies told dcfc.co.uk.
“In all seriousness, I’ve played against him many times and he is just a good person. He is a winner on the pitch so he’s not going to not tackle you, because he wants to win games, but he is always a gentleman.
“He’s honest and a nice person to talk to. As a young player to look up to he was definitely one that always did the right things on and off the pitch.”
As Chelsea’s all-time leading goalscorer and a player widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of this generation, Lampard is sure to bring the mentality that helped his successful playing career to Pride Park.
He is also just over a year removed from being in the same shoes as Davies and the rest of the Rams players, which the defender believes will prove to be hugely beneficial.
“The fact that he is fresh from his playing career means he is still in touch with the modern game and his punditry stuff means he has been watching a lot of games and people play,” said Davies.
“I think he is well in touch and a good addition to this football club. It’s going to be Frank’s first job managing football but he brings a winning mentality from his playing days.
“It’s going to be exciting times and I’m looking forward to getting going and seeing what the manager’s plans are.”
Davies has no fears that Lampard’s lack of experience on the touchline may hinder his success as a manager.
Lampard has played under some of the world’s greatest footballing minds and his knowledge of the game is largely unrivalled.
His connections mixed with a revitalised mentality he will bring to the players is a blend Davies is sure will be a success.
“With the size of the club and the expectations of the club, I think it would be a tough job for anyone so why not take on someone with fresh ideas and a fresh mentality and a fresh approach to it,” he said.
“He has worked for some of the biggest managers in the game. Even if he picked up one thing from each of those, it is going to be a lot more than a lot of us could have got and his insight is going to bring a lot.
“If he does pick up the phone, I’m not saying the manager will need any help at all, but I’m sure if he picks up the phone to Jose [Mourinho] or any of the others for advice, I’m sure they would be very happy to help him.”
