Derby County have found their successor to Gary Rowett, after appointing former England and Chelsea star Frank Lampard as manager.

Lampard emerged as a frontrunner at the weekend and swiftly became the favourite when he revealed Derby’s interest. He signed a three-year contract on Thursday, taking his first steps into management.

The Rams were on the lookout for a new manager after Rowett departed for Stoke City in the wake of Derby’s play-off semi-final defeat to Fulham.

Lampard is a Ram. 🐏 #WelcomeFrank pic.twitter.com/7q6nbiV09V

— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) May 31, 2018

The former England midfielder ended his playing career in 2016, as two brief spells with Manchester City and New York City followed his remarkably successful 13-year spell at Chelsea.

While some are likely to point at his lack of experience, the 39-year-old is confident in his abilities after learning from the likes of Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti.

Speaking to Derby’s official website, Lampard said: ‘This is my first job as a manager, but I’ve worked closely with some of the best coaches in the game and I’m confident in my own abilities and those of the team around me, including the board.

‘I know it won’t be easy – managing a football team never is – but I’m really looking forward to the challenge ahead.’