Frank Lampard has agreed terms in principle over the vacant Derby County position, according to ESPN.

The 39-year old doesn't have any previous managerial experience, but he applied for the job and is close to taking over if reports are to be believed.

Derby finished the season in a disappointing fashion because Fulham were able to overturn their 1-0 advantage to move on to the Play-Off Final.

However, it was still a successful first season in charge for Gary Rowett. He isn't sticking around to build on that, though, because he joined newly relegated side Stoke City with their financial resources boosted by parachute payments being a persuasive influence.

The Verdict

The former Chelsea midfielder had a fantastic playing career which included Premier League title, FA Cups and a Champions League title among other trophies. He has also seamlessly fitted into punditry with his well-rounded opinions. However, this is far from a guarantee that he will be a good manager with Gary Neville being a great example of that.

This would be a massive gamble for Derby to take especially with so many other young talented managers in the English Football League just waiting for an opportunity such as this. Lampard's appointment would mean that he would have a tough job to accomplish considering the limited finances as well as the fact that this move would be seen as based on his playing career reputation rather than suitability for the role.