Soccer: Struggling Everton sack manager Lampard, club says

FRANK Lampard has been sacked as manager of Premier League club Everton, the club announced on Monday, after a poor run of form that has left the team in a relegation battle.

Lampard's last game in charge was Saturday's 2-0 league defeat at West Ham United, which kept Everton second-bottom of the table on 15 points after 20 games, above Southampton on goal difference, and two points adrift of the safety zone.

"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" the club said in a statement.

"Everyone at Everton would like to thank Frank and his coaching staff for their service during what has been a challenging 12 months. We wish Frank and all his backroom team well for their future in the game," the club added.

Joe Edwards, Paul Clement, Ashley Cole and Chris Jones have also left the Club. Alan Kelly will remain as goalkeeping coach.

The Merseyside team had been floundering under the former England international, having last won a league game in October when they beat Crystal Palace 3-0 at home.

Lampard was appointed by Everton in January 2022 after he managed Chelsea from 2019-2021 and Derby County in the second tier in 2018-19.

The 44-year-old was sacked as Chelsea manager in January 2021, having returned to the west London club where he holds the goal scoring record.

He took over at Everton after the Merseyside club parted ways with Rafa Benitez, continuing the managerial revolving door at a club struggling to revive former glories.

Lampard's immediate task was to save Everton from relegation with the club only four points above the drop zone -- a task he eventually managed on the penultimate game of the season as his side hit back from 2-0 down to beat Palace.

Having sold Brazil striker Richarlison to Tottenham Hotspur, this season began with back-to-back defeats before Everton went on a six-game unbeaten run which fuelled optimism.

Since beating Southampton on Oct. 1, however, Everton have fallen away badly with Lampard's squad looking woefully short of attacking options.

A draw at Manchester City on New Year's Eve earned praise for Lampard and his team but any hope that might signal a climb up the table was shattered by three consecutive league losses.

Paul Tait and Leighton Baines will take training until a new manager is appointed, the club said.

Everton next host leaders Arsenal on Feb. 4 followed by the Merseyside derby at Liverpool on Feb. 13.