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Derby appoint Cocu as Lampard replacement

Derby County have appointed Phillip Cocu as Frank Lampard's replacement as manager on a four-year contract.

The Championship playoff finalists were looking for a new manager after Lampard was named Chelsea's new boss and opted for the former PSV Eindhoven man.

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"I am pleased and honoured to confirm that Derby County will be my new club and can't wait to meet with the team and the fans to start this adventure together," Cocu said.

Derby chairman Mel Morris added: "We are delighted to welcome Phillip Cocu as our new manager.

"We are continuing to develop our philosophy at Derby County and from the first conversation with Phillip, and his team, it was very clear they share similar views.

"The fit is strong. We want to build on the momentum that we have in our style of play, our club values, and the increasingly important role of our academy. Phillip and his team understand the need and benefits of this approach.

"We had very specific criteria for identifying a new manager. Phillip has an excellent track record of achievement in his managerial career with a proven ability to develop players to drive both tangible success and value. We are looking forward to Phillip leading us into the new season."

Cocu, who will be joined by his long-term assistants Twan Scheepers and Chris van der Weerden as part of his coaching staff at Derby, arrives after leaving Turkish club Fenerbahce last October, following a disappointing stint which lasted only 15 matches.

Capped 101 times by the Netherlands, Cocu began his managerial career with considerable success at PSV between 2013 and 2018, leading the club to three Eredivisie titles.

As a player, he won the Dutch title on four occasions with PSV and was also a La Liga winner with Barcelona in 1999.

He will now join the Derby squad in Florida for a 10-day training camp with two friendly matches also scheduled.

Information from Reuters was used in this report.

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