It’s my dream to manage at the very top level ―Lampard

Frank Lampard has told talkSPORT he is ‘not scared to get his hands dirty’ at a lower league club as he looks to begin his career as a manager.

The Chelsea legend and record goalscorer has revealed his dreams to manage in the Premier League after hanging up his boots on a glittering career.

The 39-year-old has been juggling media work with studying for his coaching badges since his retirement 12 months ago, having returned to Chelsea’s Cobham training ground to assist in the youth ranks.

Lampard – winner of 11 major honours in 13 years with Chelsea, including three Premier League titles and the Champions League – is set to begin the final stages of his coaching education in the summer.

And, speaking to talkSPORT host Jim White on Thursday, he said he is willing to start from the bottom as he looks to begin his journey as a manager.

“It’s my dream to manage at the top – I wouldn’t want to go into anything without setting those sights as high as I possibly can,” the former England star said.

“I can’t really answer anything about where it starts, because I don’t know where that is yet, but I’m open to offers. I will take each situation on its merits as it comes.

“There are lots of different routes you can take, Steven Gerrard working with the young lads at Liverpool for instance. Do you step down into the Championship or lower leagues and try and take a job on at that level?

“I’m certainly not scared to get my hands dirty slightly lower down because that’s the reality of it, you have to prove yourself.

“I’m on the verge of completing my UEFA A License and I’m keen to start my Pro License this summer. I’m enjoying it, I’ve clocked up a lot of hours at Chelsea with the youth team and academy. I’ve put together a lot of experience.”

The transition from player to manager is no easy process, as highlighted by Sol Campbell’s recent struggles to find a job.

The former Arsenal and Tottenham defender recently spoke of his frustration having been overlooked by League One clubs Oxford United.

Ryan Giggs was another high-profile player who struggled to find a club before he was appointed the new Wales boss in January, although reports had claimed the Manchester United legend was unwilling to join clubs outside of the top leagues.

Lampard, though, says he will be patient in his search for his first club and is prepared to begin his career at any level.

He added: “I wouldn’t say I’m ready to go necessarily now – I’m in a good place and I’m enjoying what I’m doing in the media and I’m just keeping my eyes open in terms of what I want to do.

“It helps when you’ve had a long career in the game, but when you start coaching, no matter what level it is, I do think you have to come back to the beginning and start learning the game.

“I’m in that process. I’ve worked hard and now it’s the case of waiting for the right job.

“I’m trying to put together all the information I learned from all my managers. I had a lot, so hopefully I can put that all together and create my own ideas and philosophies for the game and hopefully make it work.”