(Football news) Everton have sacked Frank Lampard after a run of nine defeats in 12 games sees the club in 19th place in the Premier League, level on points with 20th place Southampton (on 15 points). The Toffees are one of the six clubs that have never been relegated since the establishment of the Premier League in 1992 but now face an uphill task to remain in England’s top flight in the second half of the season. According to sources, the club are considering former Wolves boss Nuno Esposito Santo who is currently coaching Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia as well as former Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa and former Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl.
A statement released by Everton read “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 former Chelsea midfielder was appointed as Everton manager on January 1st 2022, replacing Rafael Benitez and successfully avoided relegation last season. However, the club’s dismal form have prompted the board to fire the 44 year old this time around.
Everton suffered a 2-0 defeat to West Ham United on Saturday, which was their sixth Premier League loss in seven games. The atmosphere at Goodison Park has become toxic to the extent that the club’s board were advised to not attend their match against Southampton last week due to a “real and credible threat to their safety and security”. The Toffees are currently 2 points away from safety but will face league leaders Arsenal in their next match on February 4th before taking on rivals Liverpool a week later. Lampard’s assistants Joe Edwards, Paul Clement, Ashley Cole and Chris Jones will also leave the club but Alan Kelly will remain as goalkeeping coach.
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