Finding stability in the Premier League is Frank Lampard's main priority as he looks for the next step in his Everton project.
The Blues boss brought in eight signings as he used his first full transfer window to begin efforts to mould the squad according to his and director of football Kevin Thelwell's vision. While more than one summer will be necessary for the pair to complete their overhaul, Lampard is pleased with the progress he believes is being made.
But as the return of David Moyes to Everton this weekend inevitably brings comparisons with the former manager's reign, the current boss stressed "stability" was the pressing ambition after last season's relegation near-miss. Any hope of competing for Europe, as Everton did under Moyes - whose West Ham United side is now enjoying its second campaign in continental action - could only follow the creation of solid foundations, Lampard said.
