The Lampard Situation

It is the subject that most Chelsea fans are talking about and the main thing mentioned in the press at the moment when Chelsea are discussed, what to do about Frank Lampard.

Everyone seems to be in agreement, the fans want Frank to stay, the media say that Frank should stay and both are pretty scathing towards the board on the subject as it looks like a new deal will not be agreed with Frank Lampard.

But should we be so critical of the board in this situation? As football fans of course we want Frank to stay, he has been arguably the best player in the clubs history. His contribution to the team during his time at Chelsea has been massive and of that there is no doubt. Putting our fans hat on it is a no brainer that Frank should stay and see out his time in football at this football club.

But to be fair to the club things are not always so black and white when it comes to contract negotiations especially of this sort. I don't think it is exactly a secret that Frank is likely to be one of if not the highest paid player at the club reportedly on £120k to £150k per week depending on which paper you read. How do you give a contract to a player who is not going to be playing as regular as they used to and is coming to a point where they are on decline rather than being at the top of their game £150k per week? You can't, especially when you think that our best player at the moment, Juan Mata is reportedly on half of what Frank is earning.

Given the football market where clubs in America, China and other places are happy to sign older players with a big name on a big salary Frank has the option to keep his big salary and make a move, so unless his loyalty is so fierce that he would be willing to take a pay cut to stay at the club he loves then the writing is on the wall and Frank will move on because lets be honest there is not many people who would take a pay cut when the big money is available elsewhere.

Like i said things are not black and white and it is harsh to judge the club too much in this situation, certainly without knowing all the facts of what has been discussed. It would appear that neither want to back down, Chelsea don't want to offer such big terms and Frank does not want to take a cut. Both parties are in the right here and neither should be criticized for the stance they are taking.

I think we should view this the same way we did with Drogba (although Frank is unlikely to go out on such a high), admit the time is right and part company in a nice way and let the man always be a legend to this club. If Frank wants a big salary and a guarantee of regular football then maybe it is best for him to leave now.