Sky Sports duo's scathing assessment of Frank Lampard to Bristol City talk as Birmingham comparison is made

Clinton Morrison and Paul Merson have questioned talk linking Frank Lampard to the vacant manager’s job at Bristol City.

The former Arsenal and Crystal Palace forwards are in agreement that any interest the Robins might have in the former Chelsea and England midfielder is based on his name within the game.

And they drew comparisons to Birmingham’s recent appointment of ex-Manchester United and Three Lions star Wayne Rooney, who is yet to win as Brum boss and has overseen three consecutive Championship defeats.

City are currently searching for a new manager following their decision to part company with Nigel Pearson.

Ex-Birmingham boss John Eustace and current Oxford head coach Liam Manning have been among those linked. Yet it’s three-times Premier League and Champions League winner Lampard who remains favourites for the role with the bookies.

According to Sky Sports pundits Morrison and Merson, Lampard appeals simply because his appointment would make headlines, would be seen as a 'marque signing' and his involvement would increase awareness of the Robins.

Speaking on Soccer Saturday ahead of today’s game with Sheffield Wednesday at Ashton Gate, Morrison said ‘It could turn out to be a good move.

‘Frank, when he went to Derby, did a good job. I know they missed out on the play-off final but he did go (there) and do a good job.

‘You know what some of these clubs like? They like the big names going to their football club. They do like the big names, it’s like pure Hollywood.

‘But, hey, listen, if Frank Lampard goes in there and turns it around (then great).

‘I’m looking at other names, and I’m looking at John Eustace who did a brilliant job at Birmingham City, Manning is doing a brilliant job at Oxford at the moment, and Curtis Fleming is already there. John Terry is on the list as well.

‘It does look like it will be between Frank Lampard and John Eustace.’

Merson added: ‘Nigel was doing a great job and this is what happens. All of a sudden the owner goes: “Look at Birmingham. Everybody’s mentioning Birmingham now, Wayne Rooney’s the manager, nobody mentions Bristol City. Now I’m going to get Frank Lampard and there’ll be headlines”.

‘This is what happens. The owners get these players in, these big names. We talk about Birmingham now. Birmingham have lost their third or second game on the trot, but I’m (now) looking at Birmingham’s results. I’ve never looked at Birmingham’s result, now I’m looking.because Wayne Rooney’s the manager.

‘Talk doesn’t get you promotion, but what they want is the marquee signing’