Wilkins wishes Chelsea to reconsider Lampard's future

Ray Wilkins believes Chelsea should extend Frank Lampard’s contract beyond the summer, and insists he is fitter than any other footballer of his age, and brings a lot to the squad.

“He’s a valuable character to have around and bring off the bench,” Wilkins told the BBC. “This is a 20-goals-a-season player from midfield for the last eight seasons or so, and that’s a fantastic return.

“I think Frank will finally accept he is not going to play every game for Chelsea. But there is no fitter footballer for his age, probably in world football, than Frank Lampard.”

“Frank plays like a 30-year-old, not a 34-year-old, I would agree with Frank’s assessment that he has two or three years left at the very top level.

“Whether that’s playing week in week out, one wouldn’t think so. But most certainly he’s a great asset to have around the club. It would be rather strange for him to finish his career at another club.

“In my humble opinion if I was manager of Chelsea I would want Frank to sign another contract because I know what he brings to the team and the club.”

Chelsea have installed a new philosophy of not offering long-term deals to over-30’s, regardless of their ability.

Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole are widely expected to leave Stamford Bridge for free at the end of the season, but neither player plans to retire.

Ashley Cole is wanted by various big clubs across the continent, including Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City.

Is it just me or is Roman Abramovich the only person in the world who can not see that Ashley and Frank would be a valuable asset to any team?