Keep The Lamps On

A season that held a lot of promise and that was meant to be built on glory and riches has unfortunately steered itself south and has left Chelsea trying to cover up self inflicted cracks.

The miracle at Munich where they were crowned the Champions of Europe for the first time almost a year ago seems like a distant memory after the rollercoaster ride the London club has been through since then. From the shock sacking of manager Robbie Di Matteo only to be ‘temporarily’ replaced by the highly unpopular Rafa Benitez to being the first holders to be knocked out in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League, the Blues have courted controversy through the season with the over enthusiasm of a sugar high kid.

Though still fighting in three competitions – the FA Cup, the Europa League and mathematically still in the race for the Premier League – it is a season that has fallen well short of expectations. Off the pitch, the club’s PR machinery is in overdrive managing crisis after crisis and the demanding fans have turned vocally rebellious at every game. It is all to clear that there are urgent steps required to be taken by the club hierarchy to stop this season from going from bad to worse.

One of the long standing issues that has dragged on for far too long is the contract saga of club legend, Frank Lampard. Out of a contract at the end of the season and without a club or any sort of resolution in sight, the England international has gone about his business in only the way he knows best and that is by performing on the field when called upon. Having been confined to an almost bit part role because of an injury lay off and coupled with the influx of new faces and fresher legs at the start of the season, Lampard has gone about proving his detractors wrong by being at the right place at the right time and hauling a rich return of goals. This now sees him lead the goal scoring charts for Chelsea in the Premier League. An incredible feat for a player that has taken to the pitch only about half the times than the number of games the once lethal and now low on confidence Torres has played. Lampard also holds the unique distinction of having scored at least 10 goals in a season for the last ten seasons and has finished as top scorer in a season for Chelsea on four separate occasions. Sitting at one goal short of 200 for the club (as of 17th March prior to Chelsea vs West Ham) and on the verge of being the clubs all time top goal scorer (Bobby Tambling scored 202 goals for Chelsea in the period 1959 - 1970), it is a testament to Lampard’s commitment and professionalism that has seen him perform consistently for so long and outlast many of his peers.

The achievements and statistics mentioned dwarf in comparison to the influence that Lampard exudes on the pitch and in the dressing room. Having been an integral part of the ‘Old Guard’ that stuck together and pulled off some of the most scintillating and sometimes backs to the wall performances that have led Chelsea, from being just another London side to the one of the Big Four of the English Premier League is something that shouldn’t be easily forgotten by the suits at Chelsea. He has donned the captains armband when called upon and done his best to stay well clear of any controversy, making him one of the most positive brand ambassadors that any club could ask for.

Such loyalty, dedication and effort should without doubt be celebrated and rewarded, which is why it becomes difficult to fathom that he could be on his way out. With a host of clubs being put on alert about his availability, Lampard has had to decline offers, reject rumours and stall negotiations with the hope of an extension being offered at Chelsea. At almost 35, age may be working against him, but his form this season alone; where at times he has single-handedly dragged Chelsea to wins have proven that he still has the legs to play the game. To let a player of his capability go free and join a rival on a bargain would be sheer hara-kiri by the Chelsea board.

Pundits, managers, statisticians, coaches and fans have all seen what Lampard has to offer and there are very few that doubt his ability. In today’s game where heads are easily turned by the sheer lure of money, loyalty is one of the few characteristics that should be duly rewarded. There have been too many wrongs that Chelsea fans have had to swallow this season, but letting go of an institution of the stature of Frank Lampard may just be the final straw.