Rams chairman Mel Morris took a chance when he appointed Lampard with no managerial experience in the summer of 2018. The decision soon paid off as he beat Manchester United on penalties in the Carabao Cup just 12 games into his tenure.
The league campaign started off less successfully but a late run for the playoffs saw Derby clinch sixth place. The Rams overcame Leeds in the semi-finals before losing out to Aston Villa in the final.