It was Derby County who were on the wrong on end of the play-off final result this season as Aston Villa beat Frank Lampard's side at Wembley. 

Anwar El Ghazi gave Dean Smith's team the lead just before half time before John McGinn was gifted a goal by Kelle Roos just before the hour mark.

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Jack Marriott and Martyn Waghorn conspired to bring back one goal for the Rams but it was not to be for them, leaving Lampard without the fairytale end to his first season in management.

And the defeat led to immediate speculation of Lampard's future with links to the Chelsea job once again resurfacing everywhere you looked.

But the Blues legend dismissed any links with his former club following the match.

So, how can we some up his situation?

Taken on today's Six Point Opinion is FLW writer Louie Chandler...

1) How well has his first season gone? 

"I think he has done an excellent job.

"Giving his stature as a player I feel like he has been held to a slightly higher standard than most other managers in their first job.

"But after the significant changes in the summer, getting into the play-offs will have been the ultimate goal so by getting to the final I think he has surpassed expectations."

2) What does he need to change next season? 

"He needs to strengthen his midfield.

"It is perhaps slightly ironic considering he was one of the best midfielders of his generation but too often it is that area that has let the Rams down.

"At Wembley that was clear to see. Both Bradley Johnson and Tom Huddlestone are far past their peak and it led to a stuttering Derby performance."

3) Is he the right man for Derby? 

"Absolutely.

"For too long in recent seasons, Derby have hired their managers with the hope of immediate success - whether that be Pearson, Rowett or McClaren.

"Now with Lampard they have a young manager who could feasibly be in charge at Pride Park for the next three or four seasons and seriously build towards promotion and possibly even Premier League establishment."

4) Is Derby the right place for him? 

"I think they are a perfect match.

"A lot was made about how easily he managed to walk into what is quite a high profile job but he has proven he is more than up for it.

"Lampard's ultimate ambitions will undoubtedly be to manage in the Premier League and Derby is the perfect place for him to continue to cut his teeth."

5) Amid recent rumours, would he be ready to step up to the Prem? 

"I think it is too soon for him.

"He showed on Monday and on occasion throughout the season that he is still very liable to making naive decisions in terms of his selections and set-up.

"Not starting with a recognised striker at Wembley really cost them a great opportunity and it is the sort of mistake a young manager will not be afforded in the top-flight."

6) Come the start of the season, will he still be the manager of Derby? 

"I am convinced he will be.

"After coming so close to winning promotion, somebody of Lampard's winning mentality will want to finish the job off.

"Whether he will be able to or not is a different matter, but I fully expect him to be in the Derby dugout for the duration of the 2019/20 season."