Frank Lampard sacked as Everton manager

Everton have sacked Frank Lampard as manager.

Lampard departs short of a year in charge at Goodison Park with the Toffees 19th, in the relegation zone and two points adrift of safety.

Some Everton players felt it was inevitable last night, The Independent understands. And official confirmation from the Merseyside club came on Monday evening, with Paul Tait and Leighton Baines set to take training until a new manager is appointed.

Everton have endured a dismal start to the season with Lampard’s side last winning against Crystal Palace in October, meaning just one victory in their last 12 Premier League games after defeat to West Ham last weekend.

“We stayed up by the skin of our teeth last year and were five points shy of safety with not many games to go,” Lampard said after the 2-0 loss at the London Stadium on Saturday.

“I’ve said that we might stay where we are and was questioned whether that is competitive enough talk. But if you are in a club where the club has moved downwards with serious investment, the conditions now are that we don’t have that investment and we are trying to rebuild. That doesn’t mean straight away you start climbing stairs. It means you have to dig in as a club and I’m prepared to dig in.”

Everton earned a point at champions Manchester City on New Year’s Eve but the surprise result failed to inspire an upturn in form as fans at Goodison Park turned on both Lampard, his players and the club’s board following a heavy defeat to Brighton to start 2023.

The atmosphere at the club and Goodison Park has turned toxic, with the club’s board advised against attending the home game against Southampton on safety grounds.

Lampard becomes the sixth manager sacked by owner Farhad Moshiri in almost seven years since becoming the majority shareholder.

Lampard joined the club on deadline day in January 2022 and, despite a surge in form to avoid relegation last season, has failed to gain results to climb Everton up the table.

Lampard departs with a win ratio lower than his predecessor, the hugely unpopular Rafael Benitez.

A club statement read: “Everton Football Club can confirm that Frank Lampard has left his post as senior men’s first team manager today. Joe Edwards, Paul Clement, Ashley Cole and Chris Jones have also left the Club. Alan Kelly will remain as goalkeeping coach.

“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.”