Frank Lampard has returned to Chelsea as head coach and is already being backed to succeed at Stamford Bridge.

Lampard put pen-to-paper after agreeing terms with the club he starred for as player over a 13-year stint and he replaces Maurizio Sarri – who departed for Juventus last month.

The 41-year-old Blues legend moves to West London after leaving Championship side Derby County – who he led to the Championship Play-off final in his first season with the club.

“I am immensely proud to be returning to Chelsea as head coach,” said Lampard.

“Everyone knows my love for this club and the history we have shared, however, my sole focus is on the job in hand and preparing for the season ahead.

“I am here to work hard, bring further success to the club and I cannot wait to get started.”

Amongst those backing Lampard is good friend and fellow Blues legend John Terry.

“After the season he has had with Derby and with Chelsea’s transfer ban in place, there is no one better equipped than Frank to succeed at Chelsea. It is perfect timing for him and the club,” Terry said.

“Frank was under pressure to succeed at Chelsea the day he arrived from West Ham and he never hid from that. He revelled in it and went on to become Chelsea’s greatest-ever player. I don’t believe there will be any trepidation from supporters. They love him. Lamps is a legend and now is the right time for him to come home.

“Having Frank in charge and the transfer ban will give young players throughout the academy belief that there is a genuine pathway into Chelsea’s first team.”

Bookmakers are also backing Lampard for success, sooner rather than later.

The Blues are 25/1 to win the Premier League, 11/10 to finish in the Top 4, 3/1 to win a major trophy, 11/8 to take maximum points off West Ham with the firm also betting on Chelsea’s finishing position this season.

bet365’s Steve Freeth “Lampard did a lot better than many expected in his first season in management and a return to Chelsea, however early, was always going to be hard to resist.

“However, a transfer embargo and the loss of Eden Hazard, means he could find it difficult to better Sarri’s efforts of last season.”