West Ham could soon find themselves searching for a new manager, despite appointing Julen Lopetegui only in May.
The Spaniard has struggled to make a significant impact in his short tenure, with just three wins in ten Premier League games this season, leaving the Hammers languishing in 14th place.
This disappointing start is a far cry from the expectations in the boardroom, especially after a summer outlay of around £150 million on new signings.
According to TBR Football, club owner David Sullivan is growing increasingly uneasy with Lopetegui’s performance.
While his position is secure for the moment, there is an understanding that results need to turn around quickly if he is to retain his post.
Additionally, TBR Football reports that Porto boss Sergio Conceicao could be an option if West Ham part ways with Lopetegui. However, another name has recently come into the mix, with Jeff Stelling throwing his weight behind a more familiar figure: Frank Lampard.
Stelling, speaking on talkSPORT, put forth Lampard’s name as a potential successor to Lopetegui, describing the West Ham job as “ideal” for the former Chelsea manager.
“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,” Stelling said.
“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.”
Lampard’s managerial record stands at 83 wins from 196 matches, with stints at Derby County, Chelsea, and Everton. His most recent role ended with his dismissal from Everton in January 2023, with the club sitting 19th in the league.
Stelling’s suggestion of Lampard has not resonated well with West Ham fans, many of whom called into talkSPORT to voice their opposition.
They argue that, given Lampard’s lack of success in his recent managerial roles, he would not be the right fit for a club trying to stabilise in the top flight.
“If West Ham hire Lampard, they may as well have kept Moyes,” one fan commented, expressing frustration with the idea of Lampard’s appointment. Despite Lampard’s legacy as a player with 179 appearances for the Hammers, his managerial career has yet to reach the same heights.
It has been speculated that Lampard was offered a chance to replace Vincent Kompany at Burnley and was also linked to the Sunderland job. Observers suggest Lampard might benefit from another spell in the Championship—where he impressed with Derby—before taking on another Premier League challenge.