By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Everton have confirmed the appointment of former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard, with the new boss already working frantically to bring in new signings on deadline day.
The former England midfielder has agreed a two-and-a-half-year contract – until June 2024.
The Toffees have spent the past two weeks looking for a new manager after dismissing Rafa Benitez, with the Spanish coach having won just one of his last 13 games in charge.
Portuguese coach Vitor Pereira and caretaker boss Duncan Ferguson were both interviewed for the role, though the former faced significant backlash from Everton fans.
Lampard started management with Derby County in 2018, leading the Rams to the final of that season’s Championship play-offs. He was appointed head coach at former club Chelsea the following year and, helping develop many of the club’s young talents, guided the Londoners to fourth place in the Premier League and the FA Cup final in his first season in charge.
Everton Majority Shareholder, Farhad Moshiri, said: “I am really delighted that Frank has joined us. He is an impressive young man on and off the pitch. He has played at the very highest level of the game and has football in his blood. He impressed us all greatly during the thorough interview process and we’re all ready to give him all of our support as he looks to give the team an immediate boost.”
The new Everton manager will be supported by a vastly experienced and talented backroom team made up of Joe Edwards as his Assistant Manager, Paul Clement as First Team Coach and Chris Jones as First Team Coach and Head of Performance, said Moshiri.
His first match in the dugout will come against Brentford in the FA Cup on Saturday February 5, though before that he will be looking to strengthen his new squad before Monday’s transfer deadline.
Everton are believed to be close to securing a six-month loan for Manchester United flop Donny van de Beek, with the Dutchman having snubbed Crystal Palace in favour of Goodison Park.
A loan for Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli is also being considered, as is a move for former player Idrissa Gueye who left Everton in 2019 to join Paris Saint-Germain.
Lampard said: “It is a huge honour for me to represent and manage a club the size and tradition of Everton Football Club. I’m very hungry to get started. After speaking to the owner, Chairman and the Board, I very much felt their passion and ambition. I hope they felt my ambition and how hard I want to work to bring it together.
“You can feel the passion Everton fans have for their club. That will be hugely important. As a team – the competitive level that the Premier League brings and the position we are in the table – we certainly need that. It’s a two-way thing. I think Everton is a unique club in that you can really understand what the fans want to see. The first thing they want is fight and desire and that must always be our baseline.
“My first message to the players will be that we have to do this together. We’ll try to do our job and I know the fans will be there backing us.”
Everton are currently in 16th position in the Premier League table, just four points above the drop, while Lampard can look forward to a reunion with Chelsea when Thomas Tuchel’s side travel to Goodison Park in April.