Frank Lampard appoints Irish legend to Derby coaching staff

The start of a new chapter for Shay Given

Despite not having officially hung up his gloves yet, legendary Irish goalkeeper Shay Given is already taking his first brave steps into the coaching world. The 42-year-old Lifford native was released by Stoke at the end of the 2016/2017 season and he hasn't been on the books at any club since then. You can't keep a good man down and the former Aston Villa, Man City, Newcastle and Blackburn keeper is already taking up a new challenge. Frank Lampard took over the reigns at Derby in May and since then he's been readying the rams for a big promotion bid next time out after they finished in sixth position and were knocked out of the championship play offs at the first hurdle in the 2017/2018 season. Chelsea and England legend Lampard succeeded Gary Rowett as the Derby County manager and since his appointment, he's been adding to the coaching staff at the club. Ireland's most capped goalkeeper of all time Given will arrive to the club in the capacity of head Goalkeeping Coach on July 9. Here's to hoping he spreads the gospel to Derby's trio of keepers Scott Carson, Jonathan Mitchell and Kelle Roos. Lampard spoke highly of Given to the club's website.

"I know Shay and his standing in the game as a goalkeeper and he’s right up there at the very top," the former Chelsea midfielder told the club's website. "He’s had many, many, years as a top goalkeeper. Performance wise he was incredible and he has now achieved his goalkeeper coaching license. "I’m very pleased to have Shay as part of the team and not just for what he will bring as a goalkeeper coach, but what he will also bring to the dressing room in a much broader scheme."