Jeff Stelling has sparked debate among West Ham fans by suggesting Frank Lampard could be an ideal managerial candidate for the Hammers if current boss Julen Lopetegui is shown the door.
Speaking on talkSPORT’s Breakfast show, Stelling floated the idea of bringing the Chelsea legend to the London Stadium should Lopetegui’s struggles continue, hinting at a potential reunion between Lampard and the club where he started his career.
Lopetegui, who replaced David Moyes in the summer, finds himself under mounting pressure after a lackluster start to the season.
Despite the backing of the West Ham board, the club’s hierarchy is said to be increasingly concerned with the team’s poor form and are keeping their options open should results not improve.
Lampard, who has been linked to the Roma job, might not be on the market for long. The 46-year-old has been out of management since his brief second spell with Chelsea as interim boss in 2023.
His previous managerial career has seen mixed fortunes, with stints at Derby County, Everton, and a prior permanent position at Chelsea, where he struggled to make a lasting impact.
West Ham’s upcoming clash with Everton at the London Stadium could prove crucial for Lopetegui, with speculation mounting that his tenure may be cut short if results don’t go his way.
One West Ham supporter, Jim, expressed his dissatisfaction with the current situation in a message to the show, saying:
“How long is it going to take for you to talk about Moyes and we should wish we still had him. Absolutely not, he had to go, but the board found a cheap replacement. Potter is available and we have to get him before Palace or Wolves do.”
Responding to Jim, Stelling presented his own idea:
“I didn’t mention Moyes at all. I’m going to mention someone who might divide opinions. Is it time, if Lopetegui goes, for West Ham to bring Frank Lampard home? Just a thought.
“He is available. He’s been mentioned in connection with the Roma job, but West Ham would be ideal for him. I know there’s a man in situ at the moment, but it is just a speculative suggestion at the moment.”
However, Stelling’s suggestion hasn’t gone down well with everyone. Many West Ham fans, still wary of Lampard’s mixed managerial record, voiced their doubts.
Del, a Hammers supporter, commented: “Frank was a fantastic footballer, but not a great manager. How about Harry in charge and Frank his number two.”
Another fan humorously quipped: “Ally, tell Jeff Halloween is over so he can get rid of the horns and tail now. The little devil.”
And it wasn’t just West Ham fans weighing in; Martin, a Tottenham supporter, taunted: “Frank is perfect for West Ham, he’ll take them back to the Championship where they belong.”
Lampard, who joined Chelsea from West Ham for £11 million in 2001, had a contentious relationship with Hammers fans, some of whom believed his place in the team was due to his father, Frank Sr., a former player and assistant manager.
Yet, despite the frosty relationship, Lampard went on to enjoy a stellar career, winning multiple Premier League titles and the Champions League with Chelsea, as well as earning over 100 caps for England—proving Redknapp’s prediction that he would become a footballing great.