Latest news with #Lampard
Daily Mirror
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Chelsea star admitted devastation at best friend leaving - 'Doesn't sit right'
The upcoming summer transfer window will likely see Chelsea part ways with a number of players, with some tough goodbyes on the horizon after a strong end to the season Enzo Maresca is bracing himself for a challenging second summer transfer window at Chelsea as he aims to return the club to a place of prestige. He may have to make some tough calls in the coming months, which could involve breaking up certain friendships at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea, who face Real Betis in the Europa Conference League final on Wednesday, have been viewed largely as a team of individuals in recent times. However, after securing fourth place on Sunday and a spot in next season's Champions League, it's clear there are relationships within this squad worth keeping together. That sentiment echoes how John Terry felt when best friend and fellow club legend Frank Lampard decided to leave the Blues in 2014. After a successful 13-year stint that included three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, one Champions League and a Europa League triumph, 'Super Frank' felt his time in west London had come to an end. Chelsea's all-time leading scorer left in a controversial manner, not least because many supporters were reluctant to see him go, even at 36. It was initially believed he had agreed to join New York City FC ahead of their MLS debut in January 2015, but he instead signed with sister club Manchester City on a six-month contract that eventually extended to a full season. Chelsea stalwart Terry was left gutted by the split, which occurred three years before he himself left Stamford Bridge for Aston Villa. He found it particularly hard to stomach fellow club greats like Lampard and Ashley Cole becoming his rivals, with the latter also leaving in 2014 to sign for Roma. "It just doesn't seem right to see them in different shirts. Maybe over time that will ease, but it doesn't seem right," said Terry in 2014, via have grown up together and won and lost together at Chelsea. We have done many great things and it was sad to see them go." Terry, 44, and Lampard, 46, were the bedrock of Chelsea's golden years, always ensuring the Blues remained a formidable force amid a revolving door of managers and marquee players. But for the first time in nearly 15 years, the club icons experienced their football battles from opposite sides. Despite the bittersweet departure of his comrade, Terry's admiration for Lampard never wavered. And he has often singled his pal out as Chelsea's finest of all time. "To me there is no doubt [he's the best]. Before that there was Gianfranco Zola but Lampard has been an absolute legend here and his legacy will remain ever," added Terry. "It's a legacy for the younger boys to come and try and fill those big boots and replicate what he's done. That will be very tough for someone but he's an absolute hero for the fans, with the players as well and how he pushed us individually and collectively. "He has been an idol and someone I inspired to be like in training. Around the place he was a great character but footballing wise I have never come across someone who works as hard as he does to improve his game." Both Lampard and Terry have rekindled their Chelsea connections since retirement, each briefly serving in coaching slots though never patrolling the same touchline. Lampard took the reins from July 2019 to January 2021 before parachuting in to weather an 11-game crisis towards the end of a tumultuous 2022/23 season. Terry took a different path and joined as a consultant in early 2022 before pivoting to become a Chelsea academy coach 18 months later. He's currently operating in the dugout for the Baller League's 26ers, while Lampard barely missed out on securing Coventry City a ticket to the Championship play-off final.
The Age
15-05-2025
- Health
- The Age
Could a hair transplant boost your pay packet?
'Men in their 20s often seek a transplant to boost dating confidence, while those in their 30s and 40s are driven by a desire to look younger, stay competitive, and maintain career momentum,' Kinvig says. Says Jamie Lampard, a Victorian real estate agent who recently took the plunge: 'I do believe it's already helping my career. I feel more assured in my appearance, and that extra confidence positively affects how I interact with colleagues and clients.' Lampard's experience is far from unique. While a hair transplant is a cosmetic procedure, its career impact may run deeper. Studies indicate that men often experience a boost in self-esteem and confidence after the procedure – traits which, in turn, have been shown to influence actual earnings and expectations of future income, shaping how people pursue opportunities and advance in their careers. 'Looking and feeling good dramatically boosts how you present yourself, and in a world where appearance influences perception, consciously or not, confidence can open professional doors,' says Kinvig. Even more so if you're interested in running for politics. More- attractive politicians gain more votes – even after controlling for experience and policy positions. You can't help but wonder whether a certain opposition leader's hairline subtly influenced undecided voters at the ballot box. If your new mane could help you secure a higher-paying role, negotiate a higher wage, land a new client, or close that deal, it could pay for itself in one transaction. And given the effects can last a lifetime, everything after that is compounding interest. 'For me, the investment led to a career change, but also going to more events and being in photos with my kids without a hat. Sharing that joy in pictures with them is worth it alone for me,' says Kinvig, who himself underwent a hair transplant five years ago. In Australia, a quality hair transplant runs from $16,000 to $20,000. But that's in line with what professionals regularly spend on career boosters, and still much cheaper than that mid-career MBA. Loading These days, many venture overseas to the hair transplant mecca, Turkey, for cheaper options, although the tyranny of distance and difficulty finding a quality surgeon make it a riskier venture. But it's not a guaranteed success. Poor technique, unrealistic expectations, or thinking a transplant will solve deeper self-worth issues can backfire. And the office narcissist with newly planted follicles is, regrettably, still the office narcissist. Of course, choosing not to have a transplant is just as valid. Baldness is by no means a flaw, nor is it a barrier to success. White Lotus star Walton Goggins shows that a receding hairline can be owned, as does sex symbol Daniel Craig. Jeff Bezos didn't need hair to build Amazon, and David Beckham would still have been a global football icon without his. Elon Musk would probably still be the richest man on the planet without his transplant. Says Lampard: 'I see it as an investment in my future. It's not just about restoring hair, but about building confidence as I grow older, both in my personal life and professional career.' But as with all investments, do your own research and make sure you have a long-term plan, which means investing in ongoing medical therapy to preserve those returns. This isn't financial advice, but the best investment may be one made in yourself.
Sydney Morning Herald
15-05-2025
- Health
- Sydney Morning Herald
Could a hair transplant boost your pay packet?
'Men in their 20s often seek a transplant to boost dating confidence, while those in their 30s and 40s are driven by a desire to look younger, stay competitive, and maintain career momentum,' Kinvig says. Says Jamie Lampard, a Victorian real estate agent who recently took the plunge: 'I do believe it's already helping my career. I feel more assured in my appearance, and that extra confidence positively affects how I interact with colleagues and clients.' Lampard's experience is far from unique. While a hair transplant is a cosmetic procedure, its career impact may run deeper. Studies indicate that men often experience a boost in self-esteem and confidence after the procedure – traits which, in turn, have been shown to influence actual earnings and expectations of future income, shaping how people pursue opportunities and advance in their careers. 'Looking and feeling good dramatically boosts how you present yourself, and in a world where appearance influences perception, consciously or not, confidence can open professional doors,' says Kinvig. Even more so if you're interested in running for politics. More- attractive politicians gain more votes – even after controlling for experience and policy positions. You can't help but wonder whether a certain opposition leader's hairline subtly influenced undecided voters at the ballot box. If your new mane could help you secure a higher-paying role, negotiate a higher wage, land a new client, or close that deal, it could pay for itself in one transaction. And given the effects can last a lifetime, everything after that is compounding interest. 'For me, the investment led to a career change, but also going to more events and being in photos with my kids without a hat. Sharing that joy in pictures with them is worth it alone for me,' says Kinvig, who himself underwent a hair transplant five years ago. In Australia, a quality hair transplant runs from $16,000 to $20,000. But that's in line with what professionals regularly spend on career boosters, and still much cheaper than that mid-career MBA. Loading These days, many venture overseas to the hair transplant mecca, Turkey, for cheaper options, although the tyranny of distance and difficulty finding a quality surgeon make it a riskier venture. But it's not a guaranteed success. Poor technique, unrealistic expectations, or thinking a transplant will solve deeper self-worth issues can backfire. And the office narcissist with newly planted follicles is, regrettably, still the office narcissist. Of course, choosing not to have a transplant is just as valid. Baldness is by no means a flaw, nor is it a barrier to success. White Lotus star Walton Goggins shows that a receding hairline can be owned, as does sex symbol Daniel Craig. Jeff Bezos didn't need hair to build Amazon, and David Beckham would still have been a global football icon without his. Elon Musk would probably still be the richest man on the planet without his transplant. Says Lampard: 'I see it as an investment in my future. It's not just about restoring hair, but about building confidence as I grow older, both in my personal life and professional career.' But as with all investments, do your own research and make sure you have a long-term plan, which means investing in ongoing medical therapy to preserve those returns. This isn't financial advice, but the best investment may be one made in yourself.
Gulf Today
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Sunderland to face Sheffield challenge for place in English Premier League
Sunderland reached the Championship play-off final in the most dramatic fashion as Dan Ballard's goal in the dying seconds of extra-time sealed a 3-2 aggregate victory against Coventry on Tuesday. Regis Le Bris' side trailed to Ephron Mason-Clark's goal late in the second half of the semi-final second leg. But, with a penalty shoot-out moments away, Ballard headed home in stoppage-time to earn a 1-1 draw and spark wild celebrations from over 46,000 fans packed into the Stadium of Light. Sunderland will face Sheffield United in the play-off final at Wembley on May 24. United finished in third place, 14 points clear of fourth-placed Sunderland in the regular season, with both teams winning one against each other this season. Sunderland's bid to return to the Premier League after an eight-year absence -- a dark period that has included a spell in the third tier -- remains alive. But Le Bris' men will have to improve significantly on a nervous display that nearly gifted a place in the final to Coventry. 'It's really fantastic because this scenario was absolutely incredible. We were probably too nervous for the first part of the game,' Le Bris said. 'It was a little bit frustrating because we knew on the bench we could play better. We changed our structure. During extra-time, we were good. 'This final corner-kick was fantastic for Ballard. The players deserve to live this and we have a fantastic final to play. We just enjoy it now.' Languishing in 17th place until they were revitalised when former Chelsea and Everton boss Frank Lampard took charge in November, Coventry were desperately unlucky to fall short in their promotion bid as their 24-year Premier League exile continues. Promotion dream lives on: 'We dominated huge periods of this game. It was wave after wave,' Lampard said. 'I've been around a lot so I've taken whacks and I've had success. I can be a bit more balanced but for those players, they don't deserve that. 'We're not bitter, and congratulations to Sunderland but we were the better team over the two matches. That's why they'll be so happy going to Wembley.' Sunderland suffered five successive defeats coming into the play-offs, but they dug deep to reach the final in the most remarkable style. Having won the first leg 2-1 at Coventry on Friday, Black Cats adopted an ultra-cautious game-plan that led Lampard's men seize the initiative. Jack Rudoni should have equalised from Mason-Clark's header just before half-time, but the midfielder poked over from inside the six-yard box. It was a similar story in the second half as Coventry kept probing intelligently and Sunderland curiously opted to sit deep inside their own half. Having defended tirelessly to keep Coventry at bay, Sunderland almost delivered the knockout blow through Trai Hume, whose volley was turned away by Ben Wilson at full stretch. But, with time running out for Coventry, Mason-Clark hauled the Sky Blues level in the 76th minute. Milan van Ewijk made a clever over-lapping run and whipped a pin-point cross into the Sunderland area for Mason-Clark to volley home from close-range. Coventry should have settled the tie when Haji Wright headed wide from five yards in the final seconds of stoppage-time. The tense extra-time period was almost over when Ballard stole the tie for Sunderland. Stooping to meet Enzo Le Fee's corner with an ungainly header, Ballard flicked the ball in via the crossbar as the stadium erupted in a frenzied celebration. Coventry's crest-fallen players slumped to their knees in despair. Agence France-Presse
Daily Mirror
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Frank Lampard's whirlwind six months from fan backlash to Coventry heartbreak
Frank Lampard took Coventry City from 17th to the Championship play-off semi-final in his first six months at the club, having weathered an initial storm upon arrival Frank Lampard faced an uphill task as soon as he arrived at Coventry – and not just because of their lowly league position. The Sky Blues sat 17th in the Championship when Lampard took the helm in late November, yet this was no normal appointment. In similar circumstances, many fanbases would be calling for the sacking of their manager, but Lampard's predecessor was no ordinary boss. Mark Robins has a saint-like status in Coventry, having been absolutely instrumental in the club's resurgence from the doldrums. Robins stuck with the club through thick and thin, guiding them from League Two to the Championship, while playing at a variety of different grounds amid the backdrop of the despised ownership reign of Sisu. He had come close to adding even more prestigious achievements to his CV by reaching the play-off final and FA Cup semi-final in the past two years. But City owner Doug King took the hugely controversial decision to sack Robins on November 7 and, three weeks later, announced the arrival of Lampard as his successor. To say that supporters weren't convinced would be an understatement. Robins had been all they had known since March 2017 and, to some, the choice of Lampard hinted at prioritising PR over pragmatism. The legendary former midfielder had been out of work since leaving his interim position at Chelsea at the end of the 2022/23 season. His efforts in getting Derby to the Championship play-off final in 2019 felt a lifetime ago. And yet, as Coventry reflect on another season which ultimately ended in heartbreak, they can do so in the knowledge that King made the right decision. Lampard has galvanised a club that had grown stale under Robins and defied expectations to reach the play-offs once more. Much like in their play-off final penalty shoot-out defeat by Luton two years ago, the Sky Blues have fallen short, but there should be real positivity about the future at the CBS Arena. Much of that is down to Lampard. An immediate backlash In some ways, Lampard had to overcome a double whammy of distrust upon his arrival. As a hugely famous ex-player, he has been accused of getting management roles based on his profile, rather than track record. And the fact he was succeeding a much-loved club legend meant he had to tread carefully. King attended a fans' forum event just days after sacking Robins, where he felt the full force of feeling around his decision. The local businessman had a good standing with supporters, having finally banished previous owners Sisu Capital Limited in January 2023, but he knew axing Robins was a risk. 'I know the history of Coventry City with its owners,' King told talkSPORT. 'It's littered with disaster. Here's another owner doing another thing so I understand the situation [with fan concerns].' 'I expected the backlash,' he added. 'Mark has been there seven years and we've only gone in one direction. I've only been here for two years, Mark has been there a lot longer, he's got a proven track record.' Coventry were 17th, two points above the drop zone, when Lampard took over, bringing with him Joe Edwards and Chris Jones as his assistants. They immediately began to gather momentum, slowly climbing the table before really finding their feet over January and February. Turning things around The last time fans had seen Lampard it was during his second stint in charge of his beloved Chelsea. He was called in in April 2023 to nurse the team until the end of the season and won just one of his 11 matches in charge. It is fair to say that his reputation needed a boost and his first six months at Coventry have certainly done that. One of the biggest beneficiaries has been Jack Rudoni – the attacking midfielder has been the stand-out player under his management, reaching 10 goals and 13 assists for the season. "He came in, brought a real structure to the team and we stopped conceding silly goals,' Rudoni told BBC Radio CWR. "He gives us clarity every game we go into so we know exactly the game plan, exactly what we're doing and we just have to carry it out. We practise it on the training pitch and he gives us forward players licence to go and create and win games." The signing of Matt Grimes from Swansea for £4million in the January transfer window has made a huge difference at Coventry, providing a top quality ball-player at the base of midfield. His presence has allowed Rudoni even greater freedom to get forward, while there has been a real emphasis on getting wide and getting balls into the box. That game plan was extremely obvious against Sunderland as they constantly worked the ball to the ring wing, where Tatsuhiro Sakamoto and Milan van Ewijk bombarded the box. Both of Coventry's goals over the two legs came from Van Ewijk crosses, but the Sky Blues were undone by the Dutchman's sloppy backpass for Eliezer Mayenda's goal in Coventry and a lack of concentration for Dan Ballard's dramatic last-gasp header. While Ballard's goal was a sickener for the away fans, they can take some solace from what is likely to come. Coventry have been forced to deal with the exits of star players over the past few years, with Viktor Gyokeres, Callum O'Hare and Gustavo Hamer moving on, but they appear to be in a much more stable position this time around. With Lampard getting a full summer transfer window and pre-season to shape the squad in his own image, they will be confident of returning in 2025/26 for another push at returning to the Premier League for the first time since 2004. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
