Our caretaker manager oversaw a 1-1 draw on the last day of the season, having stepped in to take charge of the team until the end of 2022/23 in April.

It could have been more, with Raheem Sterling seeing one effort cleared off the line and another deflected around the post by a defender's arm, after his earlier shot had gone in off Kieran Trippier to cancel out Anthony Gordon's early opener for Newcastle.

However, it was the opportunity to thank the fans for their support at the final whistle which stands out for our caretaker manager as the curtain comes down on our campaign.

'It was nice to say goodbye and have a moment at the end with the supporters. They were amazing,' said Lampard. 'I think Chelsea fans, and particularly the match-going fans, saw the situation that I came into. It hasn’t been easy to turn things around in a short time, that’s the reality, but I’ve given everything in this period and I’m really connected to this club for life.

'It changed my life when I was 22 years of age and that will never change in my head no matter what. I really appreciate the way they were through the game and at the end of the game. I’m always a Chelsea person in my heart, although my work will obviously go in different directions now.

'I really appreciate the Chelsea fans and the support they’ve given me. I’m not one to get too nostalgic and I know that I have a really good bond with this club anyway, but seeing that support from the fans at the end to give me, and the lads, that send off was really special and I thank them for that.

'I’ll be back again watching a game soon, I’m sure, and I’ll always be a fan of this football club.'

He was also pleased to have handed Thiago Silva his Player of the Season award before kick-off...

'He ranks right near the top for me. I think it’s hard to compare anyone to John Terry because of John’s longevity after coming through the club, he was captain for all those successful years and was an amazing player.

'Thiago is another version of an amazing player who has come here at the back end of his career, has brought in to the club, fallen in love with the club I think, had the success of winning the Champions League. He’s just an incredible centre-back.

'When I brought him to the club I thought I knew he was a top player. I didn’t realise just how good he is.'

Looking at his final game in the dug-out, our caretaker manager felt a little unlucky not to have ended with a win...

'I think we deserved to win. We played how I think a Chelsea side should play today.

'We were a lot more confident on the ball, we created a lot of chances and we were a threat. To be fair to Newcastle, we conceded a few chances for them as well.

'With a game that had ‘nothing’ to play for, as such, I thought both teams played with a lot of freedom and that created a good, open game but I think we should have won the game.'