Pulis questioned over Lampard

Stoke manager Tony Pulis hopes Frank Lampard and Chelsea part on good terms if the "great marriage" between them is to come to an end.

Last Updated: 11/01/13 at 13:45 Post Comment   

Frank Lampard: Future under the spotlight

Frank Lampard: Future under the spotlight

Manager Specials

So who will replace David Moyes as manager of Everton after his appointment as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor at Manchester United? Wigan's Robert Martinez heads the betting. Check out the latest odds

Lampard looks set for the exit at Stamford Bridge, with his current contract with the Blues due to expire in the summer and his agent claiming he will not be offered a new deal by the club.

The 34-year-old midfielder has enjoyed a trophy-laden career with the west London outfit since joining them in 2001, netting 193 times for them in the process to make him the joint-second highest goalscorer in their history.

Pulis has no doubt Lampard and Chelsea have proved a superb match for each other and feels it would be a huge shame for any separation to be acrimonious.

"I think Frank has been a fantastic player for Chelsea," Pulis said. "He has been unbelievable, and he is a great lad - they tell me he is a real top professional.

"But I think when you step aside, away from being a player, you sometimes look at it a little bit differently, and Chelsea have been absolutely fantastic for Frank as well.

"The medals and the trophies that Frank has won at that football club...as a young kid starting football, he needed a vehicle to be able to achieve what he has achieved.

"Whether the argument is that Chelsea should offer him a new contract or not, it is not my decision.

"But I think it has been a great marriage and you just hope it doesn't end in tears - that they part amicably, and that a true star of a football club walks away with everyone applauding what he has done and achieved."

With speculation over his future growing, Lampard has been linked with several clubs, including Manchester United.

Pulis - whose side host Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday - has been quick to dispel any suggestion that Stoke could be a realistic destination for the former West Ham man, and believes Lampard is most likely to remain in the south.

Asked about the possibility of the England international becoming a Potters player, Pulis said: "I think if he doesn't sign for Chelsea, Frank will have other options and ideas in his mind.

"He has played down south all his life and I can't see him wanting to move up north.

"I think if Frank was going to go anywhere, I'm sure it would be down south."

TEAMtalk Facebook Fan Page

The TEAMtalk fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

m absolutely disgusted that I've been misquoted in saying that if a chance came up to join Arsenal I would be interested. What I meant to say is if Man United or Chelsea were interested......

gulliver
Agent cools Benteke exit talk

L

FC league positions and points from last 4 seasons - 7 (61), 8 (52), 6 (58), 7 (63). Werner calls it progress, I call it mid table stability.

kolev_lfc
Reds progress delights Werner

I

s there a PR agency covering Begovich, Odemwingie, Steven Fletcher and Grant Holt or something? Why would you offer a quote like that without having been announced by either club. #headsshoulderskneesandtoesgone

Havelange
Begovic hints at Liverpool move

Footer 365

Champions League final: Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp says side can bounce back

Jurgen Klopp is backing Borussia Dortmund to reach another Champions League final despite their defeat to Bayern Munich.

Champions League final: Bayern Munich's Arjen Robben relieved by Wembley win

Bayern Munich hero Arjen Robben admitted winning the UEFA Champions League buried his previous demons.

Champions League final: Mats Hummels salutes Bayern Munich after Wembley win

Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels admitted Bayern Munich deserved to be crowned champions of Europe.

Mail Box

Wayne Rooney Is Just An Average Athlete

That's the difference between him and someone like Cristiano Ronaldo - his body just isn't right. We have mails on him, Sparky, Brendan Rodgers and the Europa Lge...

Saving The Europa League And More...

Nice one UEFA, but not far enough. We have some ideas to make the Europa League better as well as more views on Wayne Rooney, Vermaelen in midfield and...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved