Chelsea legend Frank Lampard has spoken publicly about ongoing speculation linking him with the Rangers job, reaffirming his admiration for the club while distancing himself from a potential move to Ibrox.
Lampard, now in charge of Coventry City, where he has been earning major plaudits and has rebuilt his managerial reputation, has been the subject of recurring rumours whenever the Rangers managerial position becomes vacant. His affection for the club is well known, but his latest remarks make it clear he is focused on his current role.
“I love Rangers Football Club. I grew up loving Rangers Football Club,” Lampard said.
“Those rumours are just there. I’m very happy here [at Coventry City] and I want to continue to do better.”
Interestingly, Lampard was seriously discussed by Rangers during their previous managerial search following the sacking of Michael Beale in late 2023. At that time, club legend Graeme Souness was understood to have backed Lampard as his preferred option, believing his stature and standards could fit the Ibrox environment as it had worked previously with Lampard’s ex-England teammate Steven Gerrard who spent three and a half years in the Rangers dugout, winning the club their first league title in ten years in 2021.
However, according to sources close to that process, there was significant hesitation within the Rangers boardroom. Lampard’s recent managerial record, including a difficult spell at Everton where he struggled to keep the club away from danger, followed by a disappointing stint as interim manager at Chelsea, led to concerns over fan backlash, especially with the support already divided during Beale’s turbulent exit.
As a result, the board stepped away from Lampard as a serious contender, with Philippe Clement eventually taking the role instead.
Lampard’s strong personal connection to Rangers, reportedly formed during his youth through family influence, continues to keep his name in fan conversations. And with Rangers again going through a transitional phase as Kevin Muscat prepares to step in, discussion around alternative candidates has naturally resurfaced.
However, his latest comments firmly suggest that Lampard is not currently positioning himself for an Ibrox move.
Now focused on pushing Coventry towards the upper end of the Championship, Lampard insists he remains committed to the project in front of him, though his acknowledgement of his emotional connection to Rangers ensures his name will remain one that is occasionally revived in discussions about future appointments, especially if the upcoming Muscat era fails to deliver results.
For now, though, Lampard is watching from afar, with fondness, but without intent.