Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has imposed a strict fine system at Stamford Bridge this season to ensure strong discipline in the squad, with lateness to training alone punishable by a £20,000 fine.
Lampard is in just his second season of a managerial career that began last year at Derby County, but his impact in difficult circumstances has already been felt in the Premier League.
The 41-year-old was unable to bring in new players during the summer because of a transfer ban, instead turning to home-grown talent. His nurturing approach has paid dividends, with Chelsea third in the Premier League table and ahead of reigning champions Manchester City.
The Blues have won six consecutive Premier League games since narrowly losing to leaders Liverpool in September, while Lampard was named Manager of the Month for October.
Lampard commands respect because of his illustrious playing career, but as a manager he has shown that he is no soft touch and won’t tolerate lateness or a lack of discipline from his players.
An image of Chelsea’s first team fine sheet, put into place at the end of August after a poor start to the season, has emerged on social media. It reveals 12 different violations that players can be fined for, the majority of which are for being late to various things.
As already mentioned, being late for the start of training is enough to get a player fined £20,000 on the spot. Failing to report an injury or illness before a day off, or at least 90 minutes before training will result in a player being fined £10,000.
Chelsea players are also fined £5,000 each for failure to travel on the team coach after a match unless 48 hours notice is given to either Lampard or assistant Jody Morris. There is another £5,000 penalty for refusal to or failure to turn up for corporate/community duties.
There are a host of other lateness fines at £2,500 each, while a team meal or meeting interrupted by a ringing phone will cost a player £1,000. The same is true for reporting in the wrong kit or attire for match days or team travelling.
Some may view it as harsh, but Lampard wants his players to be responsible professionals and maintain the highest of standards at all times. Given Chelsea’s much improved results over the last 10 weeks, you can’t argue that it isn’t working.