Football League World's Derby County fan pundit Lisa Howard has expressed her excitement at rumours linking the Rams with a move for Dutch manager Phillip Cocu.

The Times reported the rumour on Sunday and Howard believes it would be perfect appointment with Frank Lampard's move to Chelsea looking more and more likely by the day.

"The appointment of Cocu really excites me," the regular punter told Football League World.

"He comes with a wealth of experience at a very high level, as both a player and manager.

"His knowledge of the game goes without saying and I think, like Lampard, will attract decent players.

"I think this is something different for the club. Yes, it's a gamble but so was Lampard. I think it would be a great appointment."

Cocu spent six seasons with Barcelona as a midfielder before cutting his teeth as a coach with the Dutch national team.

He then the majority of his time with PSV Eindhoven, managing over 200 matches and winning three Eredivisie titles in the process before a tricky spell at Fenerbache saw him sacked after just 15 matches.

But he now seems set for a return to the dugout with the Rams. And with Lampard having already signed his contract, according to Pete O'Rourke, what would the Dutchman bring that Lampard did not?

"His vast experience as a manager," Howard said.

"Having dealt with experienced players and managed in different countries, and the challenges that comes with, and he will have contacts abroad to enable us to recruit foreign players.

"I think the whole squad would be excited to have a manager that has played for Barcelona, managed at a high level.

"Lampard in name alone is a hard act to follow, but appointing Cocu is great work by Mel Morris. It will give us fans something to get excited about, after this shocking treatment from Chelsea and Lampard. Onwards and upwards."