Derby owner Mel Morris has been on talkSport radio today talking about Frank Lampard’s potential appointment, and he has denied that a deal is done.
Effectively the Rams chief doesn’t want to weaken his own position in the negotiations over Lampard’s move by admitting he can’t do much to stop it. But that is pretty evident, and what he went on to say afterwards made it even more clear that he’s all but accepted the move is happening.
Evening Standard journalist Simon Johnson Tweeted the following quotes from the owner out a few minutes ago:
Derby owner Mel Morris on talkSPORT this morning says #Lampard's move to #cfc is not a done deal and still hopes he will stay in charge at #dcfc. However, concedes Frank is in a 'win-win situation' and that he was always aware there was a risk he'd join #cfc one day
— Simon Johnson (@SJohnsonSport) June 26, 2019
Morris has made the point that he didn't want to stand in Lampard's way either..“If you become obstructive, it does not bode well for the future. I have a great relationship with Frank and Chelsea. The relationship with Frank and Chelsea is important.” https://t.co/ytipZ4NSkA
— Simon Johnson (@SJohnsonSport) June 26, 2019
The key line really is that Morris has a “great relationship with Frank and Chelsea”. That shows he’s going to be willing to do the reasonable thing here, and that means letting his manager go once Chelsea have agreed to pay the amount he wants for him.
He knows Frank can’t turn down his old club, and as long as they are willing to pay up he won’t become “obstructive.”
So don’t be fooled by the smoke screen. He knows as well as we do that Frank is going.
