Baku, January 24, AZERTAC

Everton have confirmed that Frank Lampard has been sacked as manager following the 2-0 defeat at West Ham in the Premier League, according to BeSoccer. The Toffees lie 19th on 15 points, two points off safety.

Frank Lampard has been dismissed by Everton after just 12 months in charge, the club have confirmed. The former Chelsea boss was appointed to replace Rafael Benitez in January 2022 but leaves with the side 19th in the table, level on points with bottom club Southampton.

Everton announced the news on Monday night. "Everyone at Everton would like to thank Frank and his coaching staff for their service during what has been a challenging 12 months," Everton's statement began. The club then explained the reasons for the decision. "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," it continued.

Fuelled by fervent backing from their fans at Goodison Park, the Toffees beat the drop by winning three of their last six league matches, including a dramatic 3-2 success against Crystal Palace that preserved their top-tier status. But Everton are now looking for their eighth permanent manager in less than seven years after Lampard failed to build on the momentum from that successful end to last term. Lampard won only 12 of his 44 matches in charge of Everton in all competitions.

Former Burnley boss Sean Dyche, ex-Leeds coach Marcelo Bielsa and West Ham's former Everton manager David Moyes are among the potential candidates to replace Lampard, according to bookmakers. Al-Ittihad boss Nuno Espirito Santo, formerly of Wolves, and ex-Everton striker Wayne Rooney, now in charge of MLS side DC United, have also been mooted as possible contenders.

Hampered by the sale of Brazil forward Richarlison to Tottenham in the close season, Everton managed only three wins in 20 league games this term against a backdrop of mounting fan fury. There have been widespread protests against the board and Lampard at recent games. Everton's 1-2 loss to Wolves on Boxing Day led to fans calling for Lampard to be sacked. Despite drawing 1-1 at Man City on New Year's Eve, they were then thumped 1-4 at home by Brighton before being knocked out of the FA Cup by Man Utd.

Then, ahead of the huge game with Southampton, the club's board, led by chairman Farhad Moshiri, were ordered to stay at home for their own safety due to fears of an angry response by supporters. Even though Onana gave Everton the lead in that game, the Saints fought back to win 1-2. That led to fans confronting players such as Yerry Mina and Anthony Gordon as they tried to leave the ground.

Another relegation six pointer then saw them travel to West Ham in a last chance for Lampard to stay on as manager, but Everton were well beaten 2-0 thanks to a first half double by Jarrod Bowen. That left Lampard's position untenable and Everton announced his sacking on Monday night. They also revealed that Paul Tait and Leighton Baines will take training until a new manager is appointed.

Everton's next games are at home to Arsenal on Saturday and then away to Liverpool on Monday 13th February.