Everton will soon announce the appointment of Frank Lampard as the new manager after sacking Rafael Benitez a fortnight ago. While there are no obstacles in the Lampard deal, there are still talks being held for hiring the backroom staff.
Assistant managers are rarely an exciting point in transfer talk but in Anthony Barry’s case, it’s different. News started circulating that Lampard wants to work with Barry at Everton. The duo worked together at Chelsea, forming an effective relationship.
At Chelsea, Barry helped Lampard in mending the Chelsea defence and solidifying the backline during set pieces. When Lampard parted ways with Chelsea, Barry remained at the club and soon became a confidante of Thomas Tuchel.
Over the last twelve months, Barry has been courted by several lower tier clubs but so far Chelsea and Tuchel have managed to keep the 35 year old at the club. The new opportunity to work with Lampard at Everton may be too tempting to turn down.
Everton hold positive talks with Anthony Barry as Frank Lampard staff takes shape
As things stand, Chelsea will not stand in the way of Barry if he would like to join Lampard at Everton. The 43 year old has signed his contract but the backroom staff still needs some clarity as it seems. There is speculation that Barry may be offered a bigger role than what he is currently carrying out at Chelsea.
There is lack of clarity over the role of Duncan Ferguson who was announced as caretaker manager after Benitez’s sacking and was also a candidate for the permanent job. However, it is likely that Lampard will keep Ferguson in his staff as the former Everton striker embodies the raw passion and devotion to the club.
According to The Athletic journalist Simon Johnson, Barry has held positive talks with Everton. He attended Tranmere vs Forest Green but that was not the purpose of his trip. Lampard really wants Barry to join him at Everton and Chelsea see it as a win-win whether he stays or leaves.
Barry has become a quintessential part of the Chelsea staff and losing him might be a big blow. On the other hand, Everton will be getting a smart coach who already has great rapport with Lampard. With Barry, even Joe Edwards has been mooted to join the Toffees.
Perhaps, the reason for delay in Lampard’s announcement is because of the talks being held with the Chelsea coaches who could become part of Lampard’s backroom staff at Goodison Park.
Will Anthony Barry join Frank Lampard at Everton?