Everton have finally confirmed the sacking of Frank Lampard less than one year on from appointing the England icon.
Lampard, 44, was dismissed on Monday after the Toffees lost their third consecutive game with a 2-0 defeat at West Ham two days earlier. The legendary former Chelsea midfielder led relegation-threatened Everton to safety last season, following his appointment at the end of January 2022, but the club's dismal form has led to yet another change in the Goodison Park dugout.
The loss at London Stadium left the Merseysiders 19th in the table with a paltry three wins from 20 top-flight fixtures. Further, Everton were knocked out of the EFL Cup and FA Cup by Bournemouth and Manchester United respectively, contributing to increasingly-hostile protests from a disillusioned fanbase.
Supporters have vented their fury at the club's board and chanted "you're not fit to wear the shirt" at players over the course of their miserable season. The under-fire Goodison Park hierarchy officially announced Lampard's sacking with a statement on Monday evening and thanked the former Derby County and Chelsea boss for his "exemplary" dedication.
"Everyone at Everton would like to thank Frank and his coaching staff for their service during what has been a challenging 12 months," the statement read. "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."
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Everton also confirmed assistant manager Joe Edwards, assistant coach Paul Clement, first-team coach Ashley Cole and fitness coach Chris Jones have left the club, while Alan Kelly will remain as goalkeeping coach.
Everton's statement adds: "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."
Ex-Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa and former Burnley manager Sean Dyche are among the favourites to succeed Lampard in the Goodison Park hot seat. England legend Wayne Rooney, who is in charge of Major League Soccer side DC United, is also linked with the vacant position at the club where he burst onto the scene as a player two decades ago.
