Sky Sports pundit tipped to replace under-fire Julen Lopetegui as West Ham manager

A SKY SPORTS pundit has been tipped to take over from under-fire West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui.

The Hammers boss is under mounting pressure in East London after a poor start to the season was compounded by a 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

6 Julen Lopetegui has had a poor start to the season as West Ham manager Credit: Getty

That defeat has left West Ham looming in 14th spot, losing half of their league games already this term.

With former Wolves boss Lopetegui now under a microscope, managers up and down the country are being linked with the job.

And Jeff Stelling reckons that a Sky Sports pundit could be the right man to replace the Spaniard.

Speaking on talkSPORT breakfast, Stelling backed Frank Lampard to fill the hot-seat.

Lampard has been working as a Sky Sports pundit since his last foray into management as Chelsea's interim boss last year.

It's understood that Lopetegui is still being backed by chiefs at West Ham, but Stelling reckons Lampard would do a great job at filling his boots if that changes.

He said: "I’m going to mention someone who might divide opinions.

“Is it time, if Lopetegui goes, for West Ham to bring Frank Lampard home? Just a thought.

6 Jeff Stelling has tipped Frank Lampard to take over from Lopetegui Credit: Getty

6 Lampard is currently without a job after last managing Chelsea in 2023 Credit: PA

Frank Lampard managerial career A brief look at Lampard's managerial career so far... July 2017 - June 2018: Chelsea Youth Coach July 2018 - July 2019: Derby County Manager July 2019 - Jan 2021: Chelsea Manager Jan 2022 - Jan 2023: Everton Manager April 2023 - June 2023: Chelsea Interim Manager

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“He is available. He’s been mentioned in connection with the Roma job, but West Ham would be ideal for him.

“I know there’s a man in situ at the moment, but it is just a speculative suggestion at the moment.”

I played with Frank Lampard at Chelsea and we never lost.. but I’d still rather line up alongside Steven Gerrard'

Lampard started his playing career with West Ham as a youngster, making 179 appearances for the club before switching to London rivals Chelsea in 2001.

His managerial career has seen him take charge of Everton and Derby, as well as having two spells at Chelsea.

He hasn't ventured back into coaching since his second spell at Stamford Bridge ended in June 2023, but has been linked with a return to the technical area in Italy.

According to reports, Lampard is being eyed as the potential new boss at Italian giants Roma.

6 Lampard started his career at West Ham Credit: Getty

6 He has managed Chelsea twice, once as permanent boss and once as interim manager Credit: Getty

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