Former Scotland international Craig Burley played for two of the biggest clubs in British football in the form of Chelsea and Celtic during his career.
Sports Mole caught up with the now-ESPN analyst to discuss a number of issues, including Frank Lampard's future at Chelsea, Rafael Benitez, John Terry and Celtic's surprise success in this season's Champions League.
Quotes attributed to Frank Lampard's agent recently claimed that Chelsea will not be extending his contract. Are the club making a mistake if that is the case?
"They are doing what they think is right. It seems to be that the owner wants to make changes and he wants to make them as soon as possible. It looks unlikely that he is going to change his mind as well. I think from that point of view it is not a surprise but from a playing point of view it could be [a surprise].
"Looking at Frank recently, could he spend another year being part of the club? Absolutely. I think there is a bigger picture for the owner though - that is to get certain individuals out. I don't think for one minute that Frank is the worst. I think that John Terry is the number one player that he wants out, but Frank has ended up part of that.
"I can sort of see it from the owner's point of view in terms of what he is trying to do. As disappointing as it will be for Chelsea fans and Frank Lampard, he will move on. He will have numerous offers and who wouldn't take him at the moment? He knows he won't play 40 or 50 games a season and he probably doesn't want to do that at his age so it isn't a problem. Everything changes and people move on. Maybe something fresh for him will do him good."
Would it be best for him to leave now?
"Maybe it would be better for him, but I don't think so for the club. Even though they lost to QPR they are still on the coattails of the two Manchester clubs. If either of those two falter, you never know. Rafael Benitez needs Chelsea to be in there because he is under enough pressure as it is. You'd be better off doing that with Lampard in the side.
"January wouldn't work well for the club, but I think the summer does. Maybe a loan now could happen and then Frank can make some more decisions at the end of that."
You mentioned John Terry earlier - he and Ashley Cole have also been linked with moves away from the club. Is that something you could see happening?
"I could see Ashley Cole going in the summer, absolutely. I think we are going to see a difference in the playing squad. I've got no doubt that the number one target to get out is John Terry because he's just caused the club too many problems. I think the owner is sick of it, even if Terry has felt hard done by at times. I don't think Frank Lampard is in that category at all because he has conducted himself really well, but I just think he is part of that whole process.
"It gives the potential for a new manager, or Rafael Benitez, not to have to clear the decks. It gives them near enough a blank canvas and they can move things forward. Maybe that is part of the club's thinking."
Would it not be a risk for the club to lose so much experience in one summer?
"I spoke to Don Hutchinson recently and he was talking about Liverpool when Graeme Souness cleared out a load of the older players and brought some younger ones in. It wasn't successful and he was eventually sacked. He was saying that it was all too much, too quick. A couple of players leaving is not a major drama, particularly if you bring decent replacements in. As long as you buy the right players, it will be fine."
Chelsea take on Swansea City in the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup over the coming weeks. How do you see that tie going?
"I've been hugely impressed by Michael Laudrup. Not just in terms of his team, but also the way that he conducts himself. I've think they got a good balance about them and arguably a better one than when Brendan Rodgers was there. They are not frightened to move the ball forward quicker at times.
"I still fancy Chelsea over two legs - they've got to be the favourites. They had a tough time down there earlier in the season. It will be difficult but I think Benitez has done a decent job. You've got to fancy them, but I do like Swansea."
If Benitez can win that competition, as well as the FA Cup and Europa League, is there a chance he will get the job permanently? Also, what have you made to reception he has received from some Chelsea fans?
"When he was at Liverpool he used to frustrate me in some of the things he did but I've actually warmed to him. I don't know if that is because the fans have been over-the-top with his appointment, because they have with this Roberto Di Matteo thing. I can understand [Aston Villa fans] clapping for Stiliyan Petrov in the 19th minute because he's got a potential life-threatening illness, but Di Matteo - it's not the same.
"You look at Benitez and Di Matteo. Is Benitez a better man for the job? Yes. Has he got more experience? Yes. Has he had more success at his previous clubs? Absolutely. His CV is much better for that job and I think people should understand that. I think he's done quite well but he needs to finish well."
Another of your former clubs, Celtic, sprung a surprise by qualifying for the last 16 of the Champions League where they will play Juventus. What have you made of their run?
"They can't seem to win in the SPL against Kilmarnock but they can beat Barcelona! I think it is difficult for them because although the manager will be telling them to switch on, it's hard. When Rangers are not in that league they know that if they lose a game or two, they will get it back. They have suffered with that.
"Their Champions League run has been brilliant. Being at home against Juventus first is good because if they went over there and got a bit of a hammering, the tie is dead. I think they have a chance at Celtic Park. It's been a great story but I think the problem is that two or three of the players have come to the fore in terms of possible transfers out.
"With the Rangers situation it has been a big boost for Scottish football though because six months ago it was on a real downer. Celtic have kept everyone going and the journalists, newspapers and fans are all interested."
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Liam Apicella
