Frank Lampard is a front runner for the Oxford United job but should ex-pros always try their hand at management?
It doesn’t seem two minutes since Frank Lampard scored THAT goal against Germany in the World Cup and now he’s odds-on favourite to be the next Oxford United manager. No, this isn’t someone’s Football Manager game which has got out of hand either. This speculation made us think. What other ex-pros have gone on to take up a managerial role and was it successful or just a big failure?
Tony Adams
One of Arsenal’s most successful defenders has tried his hand at management on numerous occasions – with little success. Spells at Wycombe and Portsmouth ended quickly before taking charge of Azerbaijan side Gabala. Obviously. However, he failed to see out the season and once again found himself out of his depth. Then of course, it was Granada who he took charge of towards the end of last season. The only positive which came out of that was his training ground antics that went viral. He didn’t manage to win a single game during his time there.
Tony Adams vs. Mambo No. 5. pic.twitter.com/m14s6OZDBQ
— Liam (@LiamJM10TV) April 15, 2017
Alan Shearer
Newcastle’s record breaking goalscorer managed to take Newcastle from the Premier League and get them relegated. You couldn’t make it up, could you? The cult hero in the North East tried to step in and be the hero when Joe Kinnear, the third manager that season, was sacked. A Damien Duff own goal against Villa saw the Toon Army relegated and left Shearer surely regretting his decision to get involved.
Ryan Giggs
The Manchester United left winger rarely turned up for the national side but he has recently decided to take up the managerial post. His brief spell as United manager was bizarre to say the least – the backing he received from Andy Tate probably aided his cause. A recent video revealing his last ever team talk probably explains as to why he hasn’t been considered for many roles since he left United…
This is amazing. Giggs' final team meeting as Man United caretaker manager. Lol. pic.twitter.com/fbvlCywZDz
— Sean (@shornKOOMINS) 16 January 2018
Zinedine Zidane
We were going to say we were finishing on a high, but Zidane’s career as Real Madrid manager looks to be coming to an end, especially after being dumped out of the Copa Del Rey to Leganes and being closer to the relegation spots than they are to league leaders Barcelona. The Frenchman was class on the pitch, and enjoyed initial success as manager by winning the Champions League at the first time of asking. His reign may be nearly over but there is no doubt Zidane was one of Real Madrid’s most talented players and that is what he will be remembered for. And maybe his famous head-butt.
