Former Chelsea defender Michael Duberry believes Frank Lampard is the right man to takeover at the club.
The Blues legend, currently manager of Derby County, is expected to replace Maurizio Sarri in the coming days.
He told Love Sport Radio: "I think he's got a great connection with the club. They love him. He's virtually God there so it'll be a good one from the point of view where there were so many fans unhappy with 'Sarri-Ball' last year."
Asked what challenges Lampard could face if results do not go his way early on, he added: "I think it's a great appointment for that same reason: I think [the fans] will stay patient.
"You saw up in Manchester with Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer], they're patient with him. They realised what's happening. They realise that they need to work with what they've got.
"If the first six games don't go well - they've always done this, even with the home-grown players - they're patient, they realise. I don't think they'll switch on him like 'we need a change, you're not a legend anymore' but I just feel may they say 'maybe it was too big a job, too soon'.
"But first six games they'll be patient with him, they'll be cheering, see how it goes and they'll realise that they're growing together in a change of direction. The club's smart if they do appoint him."