Frank Lampard’s first season as Derby County manager has been a success according to his team’s supporters.

Lampard’s debut season in the dugout has seen plenty of highs and lows but his side still have a chance of promotion as they currently sit in 6thplace.

The Rams have been in the play-offs for the majority of the season, despite their recent decline in form, and have even knocked out Manchester United in their own backyard in the Carabao Cup.

Derby fans outside Pride Park are still buzzing and have been singing their manager’s praises. Long term supporter Steve Hughes, 46, has been very impressed with Lampard in his opening season. He said: “I think he’s been brilliant to be honest, he’s had a few ups and downs but we’re used to that at Derby. He’s been really positive, made some good signings and is a good motivator so we need to keep it going.”

Whilst Steve thinks that this Derby side is progressing under Lampard, he doesn’t believe that the team is ready for the play-offs.

“I’m not too bothered about getting into the play-offs really, I think for a first-time manager it could be too much for him. He’s still learning the ropes so I don’t think it matters if we get into the play-offs too much this season,” he added.

Fellow Derby supporter Simon, 38, who preferred not to give his surname, is positive about the Rams season but is wary about them dropping off towards the end of the season. He said: “It’s been a bit hit or miss really for us, we started well but we’ve started to drop off now.

“For me it’s still early days and I think we need to give him a couple more seasons. He’s come in and bought some players with him, who he’s got playing well so I think he needs more time.”

Despite the fact that Derby had a good first half of their season, recent performances have left a section of the support feeling underwhelmed. Derby have lost four of their last six games, which includes a 1-0 defeat to bitter rivals Nottingham Forest.

Rams fan Craig, 42, who preferred not to give his surname, expressed his concerns over the Rams’ manager. He said: “I think that it’s a difficult one because we had a really good start to the season but we have trailed off a bit recently. We haven’t progressed massively this season and I think that maybe Lampard is a bit lucky and isn’t under as much pressure as he could be because of his name.”

Even with the poor form and rumblings from a small section of the supporters, the consensus is that Lampard’s first season has been a success. The season can still end in promotion for Derby, so there is definitely reason to be optimistic for the Rams future.

Here are some Derby fans who have taken to twitter to air their thoughts on their side’s fortunes: