Frank Lampard has been given extended time off to continue negotiations with Chelsea ahead of a potential move to his former club.
The return of the Blues legend would likely be a very popular appointment among Chelsea fans, however it is a hard pill to swallow for the Derby faithful.
While Bristol City were back for pre-season training on Thursday, the Derby squad returned on Monday with no manager to greet them.
The club has revealed that Lampard has been "excused".
A Rams spokesperson said: “Derby County Football Club has excused Frank Lampard from reporting back for pre-season training on Monday and Tuesday to allow his discussions regarding a potential move to Chelsea to be concluded as soon as possible
"The first few days of pre-season training will be focused on fitness training and will continue as planned under the guidance of the fitness, medical, conditioning and sports science teams at the club’s Training Centre.”
The Rams have said that "on the assumption" that Lampard fills the vacant managers role at Chelsea, they will step up their own recruitment search.
Here are the latest odds Lampard's successor should he make the switch:
- Phillip Cocu - 2/1
- Darren Moore - 2/1
- Danny Cowley - 12/1
- Darren Wassall - 12/1
- Chris Hughton - 20/1
- Gareth Ainsworth - 33/1
While most Derby fans seem very disappointed with the possibility of loosing Lampard after only one year, they should take heart from the fact that despite the exciting brand of football they played, they actually achieved one less point last season (74) than the season before (75).
Chelsea return to pre-season training this Friday, with both clubs keen to conclude negotiations by then.
