Frank Lampard arrived at Goodison Park with a managerial record that didn’t inspire confidence and a profile that did.
His one season at Derby County earned him the Chelsea gig but questions were already being raised about his suitability for the job with so little experience behind him.
A play-off final defeat was seen as the very least he should achieve with such a talented Rams squad and many felt the Chelsea job was a case of right job, wrong time.
Nevertheless, his strong bond with the Blues blinded his new employers to the rookie boss’ deficiencies and they initially appeared to be proved right with his appointment.
GET INVOLVED: Leave your message to Frank Lampard in the comments section below
Lampard guided Chelsea, operating under a transfer ban, to fourth in the Premier League and the FA Cup final in his first season.
Finally given funds in the summer to strengthen, he added Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell, Kai Havertz and Édouard Mendy.
The Blues started strongly but a run of two wins in eight saw them drop to ninth and with Lampard looking devoid of ideas he was dismissed.
His standing in the game took a further hit when Thomas Tuchel lifted his squad back up to fourth before capping the season with Champions League glory.
After a year out of work in which he was repeatedly linked with roles, most notably Norwich, Everton came calling.
Again, the early indications were good. Brought in with the Toffees hovering above the relegation zone, Lampard achieved his objective, securing survival on an unforgettable Goodison night against Crystal Palace.
The summer departure of Richarlison and Everton’s failure to replace him put Lampard on the back foot heading into 2022/23, while off-field unrest has not helped.
Crystal Palace again provided the season highlight but that win apart it has been a pretty painful watch for the Toffees faithful, with Lampard struggling to impose an identity on his side.
A 2-0 defeat at West Ham has proved to be the final straw and yet again Everton are deep in the relegation mire and searching out another managerial saviour.
So, is there sympathy for Lampard after he won over the fans following Rafa Benitez's dismal spell last season? Not helped by his hands being tied in the transfer market, there does still seem to be some goodwill from the Goodison Park faithful towards him.
Or should he have hauled a fairly talented squad into mid-table, meaning he only has himself to blame for his exit? Leave your message for Frank Lampard in the comments section below.
READ NEXT:
Graeme Sharp claims Everton fan protests have been 'over the top' and defends fellow board member
- Everton slip down 'Money League' rankings as £12m drop revealed
Arnaut Danjuma to Everton: 'Full agreement' reached over transfer as 'medical set'
What Everton protest banner said hammers home grim reality for Frank Lampard and Farhad Moshiri
Farhad Moshiri and Everton board near brutal u-turn as new low reached at West Ham
