Frank Lampard Returns to Chelsea: Could his Fines Policy Come Back with Him?
Frank Lampard has completed a stunning return to Chelsea, this time as caretaker boss until the end of the season. During his previous stint as the club’s manager, Lampard was known for his notoriously strict fines policy, which had a whole list of fines printed up for various misdemeanors. With Lampard’s return, the question is, could the fines policy make a comeback too?
The fines policy was removed by Lampard’s replacement, Thomas Tuchel. However, with Lampard now back in charge, he may choose to reintroduce the policy. The steepest fixed penalty was a £20,000 fine for being late for training, followed by an additional £500 for every minute players missed. Not reporting an illness or injury more than 90 minutes before training would land players a £10k fine.
Meanwhile, players would be stung for £5k if they failed to give 48 hours’ notice of not traveling home from a match with the rest of the team, or if they didn’t turn up to community duties. Additionally, players had to pay £2,500 if they were late for matchday departure, treatment, the training report time, or medical appointments. A fine of £1,000 was also charged for being late for the gym, wearing the wrong kit, or for a phone ringing during a team meal or meeting.
Under Tuchel’s leadership, the fines policy was not enforced as he expected senior players to take care of team discipline. Chelsea went on to win the Champions League in Tuchel’s first six months in charge. However, they lost both domestic cup finals last season while coming third in the Premier League.
Tuchel was axed in September, and Graham Potter replaced him. However, the Englishman was sacked after just 12 wins in 31 games in charge last Sunday. Speaking about the squad he’s inherited, Lampard said, “You have to make every player feel included. Being here in the short term is a positive because everyone can have a clean slate. The players will push each other, and I will try to manage that.”
Lampard’s temporary return will allow Chelsea’s co-owners, Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, to run the rule over prospective candidates. Luis Enrique and Julian Nagelsmann are in the frame, while Antonio Conte has emerged as a shock contender.
In conclusion, while Lampard’s return to Chelsea is sure to excite fans, it remains to be seen whether he will reintroduce the fines policy. Regardless, Lampard will have to work hard to ensure that the team performs well and that they remain in contention for silverware.
