By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Frank Lampard has been sacked as manager of English Premier League club Everton after a poor run of form that has left the club in a relegation battle.
Lampard’s last game in charge was Saturday’s 2-0 league defeat at West Ham United, which kept them second-bottom of the table on 15 points after 20 games, two points adrift of the safety zone.
Speaking after the defeat in the capital, Lampard insisted he didn’t fear being sacked.: “I absolutely don’t fear, I’m proud to do the job. I never get that far down the line to fear, I just do my job, I get up every day and think how we can get a little bit better, it’s as simple as that.”
Lampard was appointed at Goodison Park at the start of last year, taking over from Rafael Benitez who suffered a similarly galling time on Merseyside.
His dismissal follows Everton owner Farhad Moshiri attending his first match since October 2021 as the Toffees succumbed to defeat at the London Stadium – their third consecutive defeat in the league.
Moshiri held talks with Lampard on Sunday along with chairman Bill Kenwright and the 44-year-old was told on Monday he had been relieved of his duties.
“Everton Football Club can confirm that Frank Lampard has left his post as senior men’s first team manager today,” a club statement said.
“Everyone at Everton would like to thank Frank and his coaching staff for their service during what has been a challenging 12 months.
“Frank and his team’s commitment and dedication have been exemplary throughout their time at the club, but recent results and the current league position meant this difficult decision had to be taken.
“We wish Frank and all his backroom team well for their future in the game.
“The club has started the process to secure a new manager and will provide updates on the appointment in due course.”
Paul Tait and Leighton Baines will take training until a new manager is appointed, with Everton’s next game against Premier League leaders Arsenal on February 4.
Lampard joins Chelsea’s Thomas Tuchel, Steven Gerrard of Aston Villa, ex-Wolves boss Bruno Lage, Ralph Hasenhuttl at Southampton and Scott Parker at Bournemouth to lose their jobs already this season.
It now means that Everton will be on the lookout for their seventh permanent manager since Roberto Martinez left the club in May 2016.