Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck has sung the praises of manager Frank Lampard following his first season in charge.

After joining as manager from Championship side Derby last summer, Lampard guided Chelsea to a top-four finish to secure Champions League football next season.

However, their campaign ended in huge disappointment after falling to defeat in the FA Cup final against Arsenal before getting thrashed 7-1 on aggregate by Bayern Munich in the last-16 of the Champions League.

But Buck declared today: "In the end we think it was a very successful season.

"I think obviously we would have been a little bit happier if we had won the FA Cup.

"But I'm sure the manager and the players were gutted not to lift the trophy."

As for next season, Buck is enthused about what's in store.

"Frank Lampard is a very positive force for Chelsea," added Buck.

"He's Chelsea through and through and that continues to show. He carries a lot of credibility. It's an exciting time for Chelsea."