After almost an eternity, Frank Lampard has been announced as the Everton manager. Initially, it was thought Lampard would be announced on Saturday after emerging as the favourite and Everton board’s choice on Friday.
Lampard signed his Everton contract only on Sunday and has finally arrived at Finch Farm on Transfer deadline day. Things have taken the final shape as Lampard has also finalized his backroom staff with Paul Clement arriving as Lampard’s assistant.
During the interview process, transfer targets were discussed and how could Lampard inculcate the players in the team. Out of the few discussed names, Donny van de Beek has already joined Everton, just the announcement remains but as things stand he has undergone his medical and is performing his media duties before the deal is made official.
Other names that were mentioned were Idrissa Gueye and Dele Alli. The Toffees are also looking to secure Alli on a permanent deal as per the latest reports. The loan for Gueye looks complex given PSG hasn’t been able to bring a midfielder and the player is currently at AFCON.
First words of Frank Lampard as Everton manager
Nonetheless, Lampard has finally been announced, signing a two and a half year deal with the club. The former Chelsea boss’ backroom staff consists of Clement, Joe Edwards and Chris Jones. As the new Everton manager, here are Lampard’s first words:
"It is a huge honour for me to represent and manage a club the size and tradition of Everton Football Club. I’m very hungry to get started. After speaking to the owner, Chairman and the Board, I very much felt their passion and ambition. I hope they felt my ambition and how hard I want to work to bring it together.You can feel the passion Everton fans have for their club. That will be hugely important. As a team – the competitive level that the Premier League brings and the position we are in the table – we certainly need that. It’s a two-way thing.I think Everton is a unique club in that you can really understand what the fans want to see. The first thing they want is fight and desire and that must always be our baseline.My first message to the players will be that we have to do this together. We’ll try to do our job and I know the fans will be there backing us. (via the club’s official website)"
Lampard has certainly ticked all the boxes and won some brownie points when it comes to his first statement. The 43 year old has rallied the Everton fans to come together and show support because that will act as a big boost for a side that is just four points away from the drop zone.
Will Frank Lampard manage to succeed at Goodison Park?