Sam Allardyce has backed Frank Lampard for the Newcastle United job as the Magpies’ search goes on for a Steve Bruce replacement.
After Unai Emery turned down the club’s approach earlier in the week, it has very much been a case of back to the drawing board for the new owners.
Eddie Howe is now favourite but one former Newcastle manager believes they should be targeting a different Englishman.
Allardyce, who spent less than eight months at St James’ Park in the 2007/08 season, believes it would be the perfect way for Lampard to get back into management.
“If I was Frank, I would jump at the chance,” he told talkSPORT. “He’s rested. He’s gained the experience at Derby and Chelsea.
“His first season at Chelsea was brilliant under very, very tight restrictions and got them into the Champions League.
“Then, when they spent that bit of money, they didn’t tell and boom he’s gone. I think he needs to fight back.
“If the club has got money, then there’s no better place for Frank than to take Newcastle on I would say. And it would be nice to see a British manager take charge, anyway.”
Lampard has been out of a job since being replaced by Thomas Tuchel back in January but is understood to be keen on returning when the right opportunity presents itself.
Whether or not he would consider the Newcastle job as an appropriate next career step remains to be seen but Allardyce is not the first pundit to recommend the 43-year-old for the role.
With the complex situation facing the Magpies, considering the money available but also the very real threat of relegation, a more experienced head coach will probably be favoured by the board.
Both Emery and Howe have a lot more knowledge of management than the Chelsea legend with the latter, in particular, being more familiar with the rigours of a Premier League relegation battle.
Although, the end of his time at Bournemouth leaves a lot of Newcastle fans sceptical of what he can do on Tyneside as he was unable to keep the Cherries in the top flight.
