Derby manager Lampard wants former team-mate Cole to stay at Derby next season

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Derby County manager Frank Lampard wants to keep Ashley Cole at the club next season, according to the Sun.

They report that the experienced former England international is considering retirement but Lampard hopes he puts it off for one more season.

When asked whether he wanted Cole to stay, Lampard said: “I would do, but that is absolutely his choice. Whether he wants to carry on playing or not, is up to him.”

Derby face another season in the Championship after losing Monday’s play-off final 2-1 to Aston Villa, but Lampard told the club’s official Twitter account he thought Cole was ‘immense’ at Wembley.

Lampard and Cole of course have a fantastic relationship as former England and Chelsea team-mates and it must be comforting for the Rams boss to have players around that he knows so well.

Cole has always been an outstanding professional and is likely to be a fantastic example to the club’s younger players in terms of what is required to reach the top.

There aren’t many Championship wingers who would fancy their chances against Cole – even now – but Lampard knows the decision lies with the defender and not him.

All he can do is keep his fingers crossed that he will be able to call on his old friend next season as his side redouble their efforts to return to the big time.