Lampard set to succeed Benitez as Everton boss

Prove me wrong I implore you.

Paddy Power have closed the book.

I'll host in my local before. We're only 20 minutes from Wembley. The manager is an Irish lifelong City fan. Loves Everton, despises Mordor. Drinks on me. You can screenshot this!!

A player that didn't live up to potential or expectation. Someone who is reluctant to be a permanent manager.

Let's look forward to the future and not live in the past.

Now for Everton to regroup, stand up and fight for survival and to believe.

But he’s here now so I can only wish him well

Link

You never know with Kenwright but it disturbs me that he seems (repeat "seems") to be arriving without coaches of his own choosing.

Still, welcome Frank. You were a bloody good player who never shirked hard work - I hope you're infectious at the basket case that is Finch Fuck-about Farm.

I’m so relieved.

100% behind Frank, his style of play, and let’s goooooooo!!!

Lampard's formation and tactics are known to leave the defence vulnerable. Lets hope he's flexible and his sabbatical has helped him learn from his mistakes. He'll need a midfielder or two brought in for Monday.

But the club still needs to change at the top and the components of the club the hierarchy, the board, the chairman the CEO, DoF, scouting, all needs to be revamped. Kiora needs to get out.

As for Lampard, well... I'll get behind him, though I have some doubts whether he'll be able to keep us up. Not just because of his limited actual experience, but also the interference he will undoubtedly get from 'above', the lack of time to address the squads issues (x3 MF, x1 CB(LF), 1x ST) plus USMFF won't fully be behind him, as he is yet again an outsider. He'll get more resistance than assistance I would believe. Especially as he isn't a Joorbachian appointment too.

As for [Phil 40], yep I agree, a bit of Kenwright smoke and mirrors, or more likely trying to avoid blame if it goes belly up again.

Apparently, Kenwright supported DF, Moshiri (Usmanov/Joorabchian) supported Pereira; and DBB, Ingles and Sharp all pushed for Lampard.

Thankfully, out of the three, the most palatable was chosen.

I'm also interested if it comes out that Usmanov was there today, as I am led to believe he was.

All the best Frank, please keep us up. UTFT COYB NSNO

Not.

He is an individual, in a democracy and has the right, because of that, to think, and vote as he sees fit.

Do you honestly think tht Moshri, Kenwright and all the others in the club, counting their millions, are dyed in the wool socialists?

Circumstances change cases.

I was brought up in a family of socialists and was a rabid socialist myself, until, forty years ago, I became self employed, and an employer.

The road to Damscus.

Leave the politics out of it and just hope that he is a good football manager.

Get stability at the back.

5 in the midfield including Gordon, Richy and Gray. play DCL up top and we might stay up.

Ffs utft.

I guess he won't want to confine himself to the squad that has got us in this mess.

I am not convinced about his managerial credentials. His lack of experience especially in terms of managing a struggling club with too many mediocrities in its squad is a concern. I hope for the best.

Alternatively Howards Way EFC in the 80s

I think Dunc and Lee Carsley would have been a better bet, but lets be honest, with this board there was only ever a 2 horse race out of the three interviewee's

Maybe it is to gauge fan reaction, what messages may be left in 8ft writing on the walls around the stadium or training grounds.

I wanted the very best for Everton, once again, I'm left disappointed at Moshiri's's decision-making process. We may suffer heartache and he will suffer financially but as always I could see the 'turf' about to hit the fan and will remain under cover.

What's been the more pressing issue is to bring in a couple of good midfielders.

All the very best of luck!

Simon says Sharp wanted him, the locals protesting who daubed his name on Goodison wanted him. Are they not proper Evertonians?

I would have thought he'd be your cup of tea as the antithesis of Carlo: young, attack-minded and gives youth a chance.

But that's me forgetting the desperately sad pessimist inside you that's so afraid of failure that you always are the first with the End is Nigh placard around your neck.

Try to smile, have a shot of whiskey and soon you'll be ready to polish the golden statue of our new saviour, cockney Frank.

Ray (#66) I wouldn't worry too much about him alienating a lot of good players at Chelsea. He'd need to be Indiana Jones with a microscope to find more than a handful of 'em at Finch Farm.

Dazza (#70) oid jyst ;yk to sai vAt yur comnents maid mE laF owTlwd ageN.

Keep it up owd lad, you're priceless in your adoration of the mediocrity.

Lastly, for now, will you please explain for us all why you so much denigrate Kenwright, like I do, yet so fulsomely support the ex-players he's appointed as so-called coaches despite at best their mediocre performance in terms of first-team players or valuable sales.

I've asked this question of you repeatedly, yet you never reply.

While I'm happy with the outcome the process was a shambles. I fear Dunc and Pereira went through the farce of second interviews so the board could pretend they'd reached this decision without bowing to pressure.

If Dunc wants to be a manager, he needs to leave; as he said himself, he doesn't have experience. If he doesn't, then I see reason to push him out unless Frank feels he has nothing to offer.

For clarification, I left Essex age 1.

I just hope we can hold on to him until after Monday's deadline. PSG, Barca and City will be in for the Venezuelan Pele after tonight's performance.

If Lampard turns us down at this stage we really will be one of the biggest laughing stocks of the Premier League era.

The real work starts now to avoid the slide into oblivion,a fine win in the next round of the Cup will do for starters,to put us in good stead to face our tough fixtures that lie ahead of us in the League,so let's get behind the new Gaffer and players and just believe that good times our heading our way... finally.

P.S...I can tell you now who our opponents will be in the 5th round of the F.A Cup...bound to happen now!.

Fabrizio and The Bobble say it's a done deal.

For what it’s worth I’ve been a self-employed employer for 15 years too.

That’s not my main issue with him, I think he gets an easy ride just because he’s Frank, Chelsea & England icon, there’s a whiff of entitlement, and I don’t trust his track record.

Dragging Dunc down to London on the train with no intention of giving him the job really gets my goat too. He should have been appointed til May and spared us all the farce of the past week.

If he can bring in Anthony Barry and Steve Holland that would be a very good start.

“If he doesn't, then I see no reason to push him out unless Frank feels he has nothing to offer.”

He needs to go, he should not be hoisted on any new manager, and if he had anything about him, he would use those wel- publicised coaching badges elsewhere.

I do feel sorry for Big Dunc though. I just feel after being called down to London and passed over again, for his own career and reputation, he needs to leave the Moshiri shit-show behind – he plainly has no respect for Ferguson.

Even if he's a poster boy Tory as you say, so what. Essex and the East End is full of working class Tories. Makes little sense to me but I don't associate it with entitlement. That's for the Etonians who over time have drifted between parties as the wind carries them.

ps: my Grandad was a die-hard Labor union leader in Essex and many of his members were Tories living in council houses. It's democracy at work.

I just found it a strange way of announcing it considering, earlier in the week, we were about to announce Pereira as manager.

We won't go down but I can't see him lasting. The job is too difficult without a clear-out at the top.

Get past Brentford to keep the FA Cup alive and take it from there.

'No track record, alienated a lot of good players at Chelsea – he'll be gone by Easter' is what you said. Hardly an in-depth observation of Lampard's abilities is it? Looks more like an empty, snidey slagging off to me.

And if you think that my post, 'Nice to see a positive attitude for once, Thanks Ray.' is ''slagging off'' then you must be new to ToffeeWeb. Or a snowflake.

Oh, and if he brings Anthony Barry with him, well that's a real positive.

'Positive'. look it up.

Habemus Papam. Or rather, Habemus Manageriam.

To employ one of my dad's favorite expressions...

"Halle-fucking-lujah... it's about fucking time."

But tonight I hope we've got a manager who knows his way around the premier league, knows enough about our players, and knows enough about pissing off Bingo!

Welcome, Frank Lampard,.welcome

With regard to Duncan, from what I have seen, he has not expressed any interest in taking the job permanently, or even temporatily, to the end of the season?

We don't know why he was "dragged down to London", or what was discussed there, but, if he was a man of principle, and didn't honeslty believe he was in the runnig for the job, (if he actually wanted it), then he didn't have to go. He could have made his postion clear earlier, and saved the three way farce, leaving it a straight choice between Lampard and Pereira.

Also, if he didn't want the job, permanently, or temporarily, and nothing he has said in public indicates that he did, why should the board have "given it to him until May"?

That appears to be your choice and not Duncan's nor the board's, so you don't really have any grounds to feel aggrieved.

Finally, with regard to Lampard being a "poster boy" for the tories or the question of the political make up of the majority of Everton supporters, once again you express you opinion, as if it were fact.

None of us know, for certain, what the political make up of any particular group of people is. We can hazard a guess based on background and current circumstances, but don't forget that history has shown that it only takes a small step to turn "National Socialists" into a fascist mob, given a cause, and the wrong leadership.

We've tried the foreign big names, we've tried the ageing Galactico and the ageing red under the bed.

So now we have a Brit youth (in managerial terms). Like all others hired (apart from Allardyce, I have to admit), I'll get right behind him and hope he does well.

He has no previous connection with the club and that, IMHO, can only be a good thing the way things have gone.

Not interested in his politics or his religion as long as neither get in the way of him taking Everton up the table and give us back some pride and belief.

Let's just hope he accepts the offer!

I don't know if Dunc deserves a job but based on comments from former managers of his and players I think he warrants the opportunity to be considered for a role. But no he shouldn't be hoisted on Frank.

If Frank meets him, does his due diligence and thinks he has something to offer then keep him on. But if Frank wants to wipe the slate clean then that should be his decision and his alone.

Served under some big managerial names so will come in young fresh and hopefully full of fire and motivation.

Fingers crossed for the guy because if he gets it wrong we’re going down no question.

I just feel that at least in Moshiris eyes Ferguson has been tainted by so many past failed managers that he lacks the wow factor Moshiri seems to crave. I genuinely feel big Dunc and his coaching career now stand at a cross road.

The sensible option for me was Ferguson until the end of the season. But Everton and sensible haven’t been in the same sentence for a while now.

Introducing Everton Football Club's new Manager: Frank Lampard

I always like Frank in the battle between him and Gerard. Sven was too weak to pick one over the other. Best thing Steve McClaren ever did was break up that duo of identical players and insert Gareth Barry. If Sven had done that and dropped “G” maybe England would have won something

We can only offer our support to him and his staff, but whilst we will remain anxious possibly for the remainder of this season, at least we wil have more of a chance than with the previous full-time manager. I do hope he doesn't turn the offer to manage Everton down though, because that would throw the club in to yet more turmoil and we can ill afford that.

Lampard has spent the last 6 months assembling a very experienced backroom team in preparation for his return to management. Also cancelled a scheduled family trip abroad to show how much he wanted the job

Chelsea coach Anthony Barry is likely to follow Frank Lampard to Goodison. England Assistant Manager. Steve Holland could also join

Of the “final three”, Lampard the best choice I think.

We have no idea whether Lampard will be a good manager, but we do know that he checks a box left blank at Everton for years -- leadership. For 20 years he demonstrated that he was a true leader of men on the pitch. Not a fire-eating intimidator like Roy Keane or Sergio Ramos, but a quiet, steely exemplar in the mold of a Xavi, a Deschamps or a Tony Adams.

Whether that translates to managerial success is open to question -- it has for Pep and Gerrard and Deschamps, not so much for others -- but it's nice to have that character in the club again after a very long absence.

But you can argue that as a player he was made to look better than he was due to the cream of talent Chelsea surrounded him with week after week, but to criticise his club career is just being churlish.

Lampard is a raw manager no doubt and who knows in 5 years he could be a managerial legend for us. It’s a leap of faith success or failure flip the coin.

At this stage I respect any manager willing to risk their reputation putting this awful squad back together again.

Interviews Friday,

and on Saturday and Sunday, ... who knows?

Not everyone in any organization is ambitious to be at the top. Not everyone can. Yes, the old interview thing, show ambition, "What job would you like? "Your job." Or maybe not.

To say Ferguson now must leave is akin to saying any board members of a company must leave unless they're angling to be CEO.

If he has something to offer on merit in the sole opinion of the next manager, then he should stay if he wishes. Maybe that's why he has been here through all the previous short-termers; he's good at his job.

You’re last sentence is a damn good point

One of the failings of corporations is promoting people to their level of incompetence. As you say, maybe Dunc is suited to what he does

he wanted Lampard from the start, but he wouldn't have been welcomed then. After 2 weeks of Ferguson, Martinez, Rooney, Pereira, now Frank will be welcomed with rose petals and dancing girls.

Always the optimist. I don't buy it but I'll put on my blue-tinted reading glasses and go with it.

Lol I have actually have blue eyes. I’ve been told by drunken older women they’re quite striking.

Then you decided (70) to enlighten us all with your words of wisdom. Do you actually get help when posting in what appeared to be some form of code I noticed that you had reintroduced the "Happy Clappers" theme. Personally I am so glad to see you back to your "norm" where you personally insult people because they have the gall to ever disagree with you.

I did notice in your fan article that you personally "knighted" certain Toffee Webbers who will always be. safe from your scorn. Others need to be fully aware that they are up for your derision if they dare to disagree with your always "right " opinion.

Personally, as a scouser,born and bred I really don't care where the manager or players are from as long as they give 100%. However I am always more than delighted if one of our younger players proves to be a GEM.We need them, but in this day and age we are supporting teams who ALL have players from all around the world.
i

With genuine respect, any self-respecting Toffee knows that the ultimate thrill at Goodison is to see the Toffee Lady, not "rose petals and dancing girls".

We may be struggling at the moment, well for many years, but apart from the so-called Top 6 clubs who are currently in a league of their own but who all, in theory, have stable managerial leadership, from an historical club perspective, Aston Villa, Newcastle and Everton are probably 3 of the top clubs that managers would be interested to manage.

Both Villa and Newcastle have recently appointed managers...so that leaves us.

Forgetting all the issues with the board and overall management of the club, Lampard would be stupid to turn us down. Where else does he hope to get a Premier League management role. Potentially Leicester...if Brendan Rodgers goes.

I think the ToffeeWeb editors posted Darren's article thinking like Neville Chamberlain they'd got peace in our time. Ah well, old dog new tricks.

He could do without injuries... he could do with a number 10 (or 2) after we lost Siggy and James. Apart from that he will enter Goodison to support from all 4 sides of the ground and a huge sigh of relief because Beneathus has gone and also for the first time since he took over Moshiri might let those that know about football do their jobs. Now lets move forward, together. COYB

It is a bit of a risk for him to walk into this dysfunctional organization and I wish him the best of luck dealing with the board and owner. Maybe they will realize that it may be our last chance to get it right without a spell in the Championship.

Good luck Frank, you are going to need it.

Why are we pilling on Darren? If he's not happy with the appointment, there's reasons why he wouldn't be.

Foremost being in a relegation scrap, conventional wisdom dictates you circle the wagons and don't concede goals. Frank has played a more open style of play and his managerial career to date would dictate his approach may not be conducive to a team needing to avoid relegation.

Stating now, I'm THRILLED with this appointment.

But as an ostrich sticking his head out of the sand - as I'm often outraged when fucked by other more intelligent passers-by - what's the beef here?

Was there a post removed? Did I miss something?

I've all day long for Darren Hind. Brazen and to the point, he'll state his mind. He's pissed off a ton of people I respect on this site, but hey-ho, emotions happen.

I'm not picking a fight. I'm curious as to the reaction.

Everyone needs to get behind Frank, kiss and make up, and realize we're all part of the same clan. Some of us in a more bastardized way, but again, hey-ho.

There's no need to kick Pereira when he's down, but nothing I read about him put my mind at ease. If anything, it felt like we'd be doubling down on everything that went wrong with Benitez - stubborn, combustible, clashing with star players. That's not what I'd want in the best of circumstances, and certainly not in our current situation.

If you keep us in the league next season, collect ya bonus. Right choice for the club. Nothing to lose on both sides. Team shooting down the mountain, hopefully he can halt the slide.

Up to the players to buy into his methods and work harder. Time will tell. Think the owner must stay with Frank even if we go down. Stay up and top ten next few years will do me! Need to have a few years of stabilisation and realistic goals. Think that's what has led to over excitement with the money been spent and actual quality of the squad. The table doesn't lie overall.

If us the fans are realistic it gives the manager time to build something. A young, energetic, and motivated manager to take us forward for many years to come, hopefully.

Funny l read somewhere, maybe even on here, that Lampard is older than Kendall, Martinez and Moyes when they took the job. It's refreshing to go this route, gamble or not, and thankfully this past 7 months is behind us.

Comment, albeit unnamed, alluding to people with experience as employees at the club (excepting our very own Gerard McKean and Colin Fitzpatrick of course) elaborate their knowledge of the demise of Everton under Kenwright. Plenty more who've spoken with Kenwright speak in the same way - the Abrahams' repeatedly spelling it out for everyone.

And yet our Dazza, as denigrating of Kenwright as anyone, still persists with eulogising his no-hoper ex-players long infesting USMFF.

Bizarre!

I do wish as everyone else no doubt, that someone would clarify the whole situation, where does it leave Duncan, what role is Tim Cahill going to have and Graeme Sharp too ?

Secondly, assuming all of the above falls into some sort of recognisable plan, where does that leave us with regards to the Transfer Window ? Not much time to get 2 or possibly 3 reinforcements in.

Better late than never I suppose, but why am I rarely confident of, the Board getting things right, albeit at the eleventh hour ?

Our most successful period on the last decade was under Roberto Martinez. However, it could be argued that David Moyes was fundamental to this success, due to the defence Bobby inherited from him.

Could it be said, that Tuchel inherited a similar situation from Frank, but not just the defence, the team. Is it a coincidence that now that Tuchel has had time to settle in that things at Chelsea are beginning to unravel? They've sold Zouma, Tomori and lost Chilwell through injury this season, players who featured regularly under Lampard. Tuchel has also had enough time to stamp his style of play on the Chelsea team, which currently doesn't seem to be working.

Has Lampards work at Chelsea been easily overlooked because Tuchel took home the silverware? He pretty much had the exact same squad but was able to get a tune out of the players. Which then brings to question, had he lost the dressing room, can he motivate etc, which is an entirely different conversation for another thread.

All irrelevant in my opinion, because we are an absolute shambles at the minute and there is no perfect candidate out there who doesn't come with an element of risk.

Lampard, to me anyway, has a good a chance as anyone else who has ever been linked with the job, with the major positive (as has been mentioned above already) he is willing to take on the ultimate conundrum that is EFC.

Cheers to the owner/board on that account – NOT!

And, new manager, please bring a bazooka with you to burn done and disembowel large sections of the oh so comfy Finch Farm set-up.

Joe #145, I've been thinking about him. Who knows, he might have influenced this process more than any other single person in the Everton world. I wonder if he'll ever come forward.

If we had beaten Villa, my guess is that Duncan would have got the job until the end of the season.

Part of me agrees - if we'd have beaten Villa, Dunc might be in.

He was my first choice, and I know if we would have beaten Villa I would have been gun-ho for Dunc.

BUT!!!

When Duncan came out and just dismissed the very idea of him being full time manager, I turned. Duncan flatly stated he didn't want and wasn't considered for the job.

That was a big, big 180 for me. Duncan has been there for a long time in the wings. If a man isn't brave enough to step up when it's his time, he's not the man to lead other men.

And I'm not shitting on Duncan, just stating my position that once he said he didn't want the job, I simply discounted him.

And that begs the question, now more than ever:

What the fuck is his future, and more harshly, what is the point of Duncan Ferguson in 2022?

Take your shot man, or disappear into the void of irrelevance.

Or! Go manage a team in the lower leagues and earn your keep. See you in the future.

Choice is Duncan's.

I’ve heard reports mixed reports that he was/wasn’t part of the final 3 interviews yesterday. Perhaps someone can confirm.

If he had managed to get a result at Villa, he probably would have remained in charge after the international break to give him a chance to prove himself and/or allow a more considered search.

Small margins.

I supported both Carlo and Rafa, in the hope that their experience would help them identify the rotten eggs and have the will and wisdom to fuck them off. Clearly I was wrong.

Hopefully, it takes a younger man of character to do the job and so I hope Frank is that man. The alternative is something quite revolutionary and that is to select a hard-nosed female coach as I've witnessed women in business work magic where the blokes have failed. However, I doubt ToffeeWeb would be able to cope with the racket that would ensue - Ha! Ha!

Onward and upward!!!

There's a reason he's out of work. Norwich didn't think he was good enough and he wanted the job. But hey, he's okay to manage Everton.

We will doing this same shit in 8 months time. When he left Chelsea, they were playing shit and that is why he got sacked. When you consider the amount of talent at Chelsea and he couldn't get them playing at their best, it seems to be the Everton way we only get people who have failed at other clubs.

We had a chance to really sort this club out, but no, we dive in and hire the best of three that are available.

It does not matter who comes in – they are not going to be able to go and invest in a miracle midfield player unless one of two things we sell one of our better players or we get a loan player.

Apparently Hearts have got a player we might be interested in Beni Baningime!

Graffiti Suspect

I loved Duncan Ferguson as a player but his tactics are stale, that side he picked last weekend proved to me he is not ready as we were atrocious.

Lampard brought them players to Chelsea who Tuchel won the Champions League with and Tuchel always references Lampard when he speaks about the Champions League win. He got them to an FA Cup Final as well.

we've tried all sorts of managers and hounded them out without giving some enough time (I don't mean Benitez) so let's give him time as he is taking over one of the worst squads of shitbags and losers I've had the misfortune to watch.

During the Abramovich era, only Andre Villas-Boas (47.5%) has a worse win rate than Lampard's 52.4%, in all competitions among permanent Chelsea bosses.

There are lots and lots of VPs and directors and middle management executives out there in the world who have absolutely no desire to be the CEO. They don't want the pressure, they don't want all that expectation on their shoulders, they don't want a job that will completely consume their lives.

Or they've looked at themselves and realized they just don't have what it takes to lead. They like being part of an organization but lack the ambition and drive for the top job. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Whatever Duncan's reasons, be they personal or professional, good on him for recognizing it.

I don't put that down to a lack of courage at all. Particularly for a man who has overcome alcohol and personal issues in his life.

Duncan is not to be derided for not taking up the manager's position at Everton. He obviously feels he is not up to the task – absolutely no shame in that.

The world is full of people who try to hide their incompetence - in politics, sports, culture, business, etc. And leave behind a mess for others to clean up.

I love the big guy's passion and love for Everton. I hope he goes out and gets himself a stint managing a football club in the Championship of League One or Two. If he is successful and gets the confidence needed to manage at a higher level, who knows he could come back to manage Everton one day? 'Never say never' and all that.

On Frank, I am a bit nervous seeing the headlines:

"Lampard set to succeed Benitez as Everton boss... TW"
"Frank Lampard offered Everton managerial Job... BBC"
"Lampard leading candidate after Everton interviews. SkySports"

No report on whether he has accepted the job or not. I hope to God that we don't receive a nasty surprise today. Hopefully, we get the appointment done and also he brings a real 'A-Class' backroom team to help him with this very tough job.

Hopefully, we also sign 1-2 players in the next couple of days. He is going to be under pressure from Day 1, but the fans are likely to give him time to get his training and tactics imposed on the team.

As I mentioned earlier, we have a decent front 4, but they need some creativity behind them. 1 creative midfielder and 1 no-nonsense player who can shield the back 4. Barkley and Milivojevic will do for me - the former on loan and the latter on outright purchase (£6-8 million should do it). But time is running out

This shouldn't detract from the real problems though – we still need to keep driving home the incompetence of this board. Change is long overdue and the likes of Kenwright and Co need to be removed with competent decision makers who can look to take the club forward over the medium to longer term.

Change has to come about.

He was lucky to walk in to a plum job at Derby in his first job in management who had just missed out on promotion and was lucky enough to get the help of Chelsea to get some of their gems to help him succeed. Despite these being so advantageous, he still failed to do so.

He then unbelievably gets the Chelsea job based on circumstances and association; he mustn't have believed his luck. He performs worse than his predecessor and succcessor, fails to get a tune out of one of the biggest transfer sprees the Premier League has seen, unbalances both the defence and midfield, and makes some world-class players look like garbage. They fly without him.

His punishment is that he walks in-to the Everton job. Now his luck has gone to a new level. He gets passed over for smaller clubs, has had no success, shouldn't even be a candidate, has the worst CV of any Everton Manager, they can't get their preferred options (due to Belgium FA and Sky interviews) and still ends up getting the job.

The irony of it all is that I should be furious with this appointment but I'm not, I'm hopeful, similar to when Silva was appointed. I am not convinced he is the right man but I am intrigued to see what happens.

When we appointed Ancelotti and Benitez, I had little hope – football of a bygone era and with Ancelotti we put his ego before the good of the club. Now with Lampard he brings a different dimension and because of his inexperience I am actually less confident that he will fail than his predecessors bizarrely, yet he has only known failure so far.

There are positives I can see;

1) Lampard will leave the club better than he finds it. He won't bring in those ridiculous big money signings like Allan which just drain the club.

2) He will be the first manager since Moyes and Martinez to identify youth as the key. Expect to see the like of Branthwaite and Dobbin a lot more and one or two from the academy. Our bench won't be full of goalies and Rondon.

3) He will play three in the midfield or use Silva's system and play possession-based football.

4) He may be lucky again in that he is the right man at the right time. After 2 years of being under the shackles of conservatism, players will feel alive again as Lampard will let them loose and give them freedom to express themselves. Expect a big bounce factor in the short term.

5) Connections: he will get the best young English talents to come here and hopefully he just signs Chelsea's reserve right-back immediately, if Lamptey and the Southampton lad are anything to go by.

Good luck Frank, welcome to Everton!

The most unifying option of an angry, embarrassed and frustrated fan base.

Lampard was quoted as saying as a player that GP was the hardest opposition ground to play at with the hostile fans being right on top of you. He might just know and respect more about the club than we realise.

I would like to see Dunc resigned to a new role at the club and allow Frank to bring his own coaching team in.

For all the talk of Duncan being able to rally the players etc, there was little evidence of that when he was acting as assistant to a succession of managers. Even when he could see the shambles on the pitch before him, he never jumped up and punched the air or gave vocal encouragement from the dug-out!

Frank has a task on his hands and I just hope he can steady the ship. Any more forays into the Transfer Market, given that it closes in two days, doesn't give him much wriggle room, that is, assuming we are able to get players in, either on loan, or makeshift short-term purchases.

Obviously there will be some that don't approve of our new (would be) manager, (he hasn't accepted officially yet !) but I feel the majority of fans will back him wholeheartedly. As Kunal said, this is a positive move, but we still need to address the issues of the Board and Kenwright and Co. Hopefully that will come about when we are safe.

As for all the talk about inexperience, well he was born into football, and don't forget he has a certain uncle, who I'm sure he could call upon if he needed any advice. Welcome aboard, Frank, and good luck!

Posting and the Scottish wine is never a good combination.

Once the goodwill factor has dissipated we will return to our separate camps to either back him or devour him.

This is Everton, Frank. Welcome aboard. Now put on your helmet. Incoming!!!

No cones left at Finch Farm for Dunc... Good luck, mate – take Ebbrell with you.

As for Frank, I am gently, but oh so gently, warming to the idea. They are never going to please all of us, some of you are quite frankly (see what I did there!) waaaaay too pleased about this. As many have pointed out, Frank has had a bit of a gravy train ride into management off the back of his fine playing career. He will I hope have learned a lot from his past mistakes and I guess all we really need him to do right now is keep us up.

If the rumours are to be believed that he wants to bring Barry from Chelsea to be our top coach then I might get a little more excited. Both Frank and Tuchel have vocalised their admiration, he is considered to be one of the most highly regarded set-piece coaches in the Premier League. He is from Liverpool, I hope he's an Evertonian as that would be the only way I could see him leaving his cushy number at Chelsea.

Frank would very likely get behind the youth, we have some crackers, Dobbin, Gordon and Branthwaite are the future of this club and need to be blooded expertly. Frank likes 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3, no way are we set up to play the latter right now so expect 4-2-3-1. We have the players for this but defensive midfield is a massive issue due to injuries. Pray he has a transfer trick up his sleeve before Monday.

Concerns now are, will he be able to have his own chosen coaching team? He needs to have a completely free hand as to who he wants to work with.

Any interference from Kenwright as to who he should choose as his backroom team is going to be a massive hindrance. Maybe to the difference between success and failure.

Whoever he wants as his main coaches must be brought in, he's got to have the best most trusted team around him to stand the best chance of success. The Everton job will consume him in no time if he doesn't have his chosen and preferred support team around him.

He's young and inexperienced as a manager; I can't help feeling how important this is to his chances of success at Everton.

Secondly, he's not a magician. There's two and a bit days left to get two midfielders in who can handle the massive battles ahead. Two central midfielders who can fight and are good on the ball too. A blueprint for Frank as to the type of midfielders we need are his former teammates: N'Golo Kante, Jorginho, Kovacic. Players who give opponents nothing but headaches for 90minutes.

Find two like that Frank and we will be transformed. Failure to and you are guaranteed to suffer and struggle . Two days to do it.

You've been told.

Is it okay to still hate his father because of 1980?

For example, can we just dislike the RS or even better, not give a damn because hate is too close to love. Same with Man Utd and Man City and Spurs and Arsenal etc etc etc. If Frank is the chosen one, let's all get behind him and support the entire team and help them survive in the EPL this season, at least.

I've lived in Adelaide, Australia for the past 35 years and remember, before coming here, the really good times. I'm as pissed off as every other Evertonian. Unity and support is now even more important than ever.

Hopefully, Frank, a young and up-coming manger, is the right choice. Let's get behind him 100% and, first and foremost stay in Premier League. My family and I are looking to be watching Premier League football in the new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock sometime in 2024-25. This is my one and only bucket-list item!

I agree with Kieran (@113) and have said that on previous appointments, and let's face it, there's been more than a few of those. The incoming manager selects his coaching staff. That's all there should be to it and maybe that has been the case?

John Boon; I too do not care where a player or manager comes from. As it's topical with regards to Lampard, I don't buy into this cockney style "bow bells" definition of what constitutes an Evertonian. I'm no bigger an Evertonian than any supporter or ex-player regardless of how long they've followed or been associated with the club. We're all Evertonians; as big as each other.

Good reply Darren @172. It reminded me of the time when my framed beside picture of Grahame Sharp finally had to go.

Can’t see how we will sign anyone before the end of the window. Prepared for the usual, we tried but we ran out of time to get it over the line.

He also had faith in youth(the embargo must have influenced him) but he was instrumental in the emergence of Mount, Tomori, James etc.
I think he was the best of the three and feared that the Portuguese guy could so easily have imploded and turned a bad situation fatal.

As for Duncan Ferguson, I am a bit embarrassed for him that he keeps being included as part of the furniture. Embarrassed because Ancelotti clearly ignored him during games, preferring Davide's input. Benitez seemed to talk to him a little on the bench but the tub-thumping warrior that might have made a difference on pitch-side was clearly instructed to keep schtum.

If he has to help Frank, then please let's see him bellowing instructions on behalf of his manager and let's see him and Lampard talking and scheming like Jody Morris does.

I can understand the big feller not going for the manager's job because it is a sure way to break links with the club within 2 or 3 years. If he can stay on the staff, he has longevity and security. Lots of folk want that and, if he is happy doing that and he contributes enough, then good for him.

I think Frank will bring about a better attitude from our players. He is intelligent and has a record of developing youth. He was a top player and our players should respect that.

Good luck, Frank.

There was a photo of Duncan travelling to London from Liverpool on the train for it is assumed the interview on Twitter. But I think Kieran (#88) has it right, that the interviews were conducted to make it look like it was a thought-out decision. It may also have been a negotiating ploy in dealing with Lampard, IMO.

I never considered Big Dunc a candidate. He would never take on the job. He is about permanent employment (which is fair enough, many of us are the same) and is fortunate in not being accountable, unlike the manager and his team. Which is strange in football given his profile. He is a Blood Brother.

I admit I am trying to get my head around this "for the birds" management selection process. Though the selection processes appear formal to many, I have developed the attitude they are after initially hoops, simply about putting your face forward, and it either fits or not. This is what I tell my children. So keep putting your face forward, Evertonians. Moshiri is susceptible to fan pressure, which he does bring a lot of on himself.

Initially, Lampard had no chance, but Moshiri's management selection ability flaw played out in a Sky Sports phone-in. He had selected a nutter. Kenwright, on his way to hell, doesn't care who is selected. He will continue as Chairman – photo-opping on the mobile, the modern equivalent of carrying a clipboard.

Effectively Evertonians found they had no choice but to have to takeover. It was them or a failed second-hand car salesman called Kia (not Korean, Iranian). They have now selected the manager, but will have to continue to make Moshiri accountable and get rid of Kenwright & Co.

So we have Frank Lampard who is interested in good football. With fan and media support, he can't be scapegoated the same as other Managers. So Everton may gain some much-needed stability.

The job is difficult with a bunch of rag-tag players on stupid contracts and an administration deep in an FFP mess. Substitute 'P' with 'S' and get the reality.

What Lampard can bring is a younger perspective. God, we have tried everything and why not? We are on the floor.

I think he will improve our walk-through midfield, but will have a steep learning curve with Everton's error-prone defense. Forward-wise, he needs a left foot, better final-third interplay, and some semblance of twinkle toes in the box, and players bothered to be in correct positions and tracking back.

Good luck, Frank; Good Luck, Evertonians. You are all going to need it. Everton may not avoid relegation, but at least they might get back up quickly. He and Evertonians might even achieve Premier League Survival.
.

I have no opinion on Frank, but got the sense at Chelsea that he had difficulty managing the high profile established players; hence he turned to youth to show who's boss. However, he was probably the safest option of those willing to take on the job.

I was of he same opinion when Rafa was willing to take on the job, who wasn't my preferred choice (it was Potter), thinking he's experienced in the Premier League and hopefully would take on the complacency at Finch Farm. A fine mess he got us into.

Hopefully, if Frank takes it, he will begin to build back confidence. If he refuses, we really are in big trouble.

Chances are we'll see Barkley back at Goodison by Monday, which will improve the squad.

Common sense would seem to have prevailed.

He probably will accept, but there's a small chance it may not happen. I expect there are still unresolved issues around his backroom staff, such as Lampard trying to persuade some to come with him and telling Moshiri some existing staff must be replaced at Everton.

Possibly a case of "I'll accept as long as……"

I like the fact that Lampard is willing to go now, rather than summer. Bold move. He backs himself not to take us down.

Someone said it's not going to divide the fans – probably right.

Like others, I see this as a plus for our young players. Lampard will be a legend to these guys. There's a good chance Dobbin signed precisely because of Lampard.

We're well placed for a 4-3-3 – except in central midfield. I don't think he'll be especially impressed with what he sees 0150 having been part of the magnificent trio with Essien and Makelele. I expect the club will be trying to bring someone in – notwithstanding financial constraints. Maybe a loan for Van de Beek, Dele Alli, Loftus-Cheek or Lingard. Might see Godfrey and / or Holgate as the defensive midfielder.

Patterson and Mykolenko will be better placed in that set-up.

I expect he'll be able to get everyone looking like they're enjoying it for the first time in a while.

He has to avoid a photo op with two twits in tracksuits.

I hope that he brings a high quality defensive coach with him and that he becomes an Everton Legend!

As for the unsuccessful candidates, I wish them well also, they put their hands up and wanted the role.

Duncan?, it will be a disgrace if he is forced on the incoming Coach.

"Breaking News: Graffiti Writer hired as Director Of Communications"

There you go – the writing was on the wall! :-)

continually burying his head in the sand and then being outraged when he's fucked by more intelligent passers-by.

With respect, I sincerely hope you have not included yourself in that faction.

a typical post from yourself -

Finch Farm, rage, rant, fury
Ex-players- rant, stealing a wage, spittle flying
Kewnwright, Blood pressure rising, anger, incoherent rambling

But thank you for starting my day off right

Bill thinks he has discovered a Evertonian Banksy.

‘Lampard has spent the last 6 months assembling a very experienced backroom team in preparation for his return to management. Also cancelled a scheduled family trip abroad to show how much he wanted the job’

Chelsea coach Anthony Barry is likely to follow Frank Lampard to Goodison. England Assistant Manager. Steve Holland could also join’

I hope he accepts the offer and his missus doesn’t do a Giroud on us,

Sounds like Barry and Steve Holland are both willing to join him on Merseyside.

Tony E, post@182, thanks Tony, because this must be the most sensible, important and accurate thing that has been written on this whole thread imo, mate.

You peeled me off the ceiling after the opponent of Benitez... consider this a more considered comforting. This is a good appointment.

I'd have like to have seen Ferguson to the end of the season, but I'm not convinced he has the balls for it (ironically).

Good luck Frank.

I think Frank is in a win win situation, nothing is really expected of him, keeping us up, a very tough job, will get him plenty of kudos, if he fails then many people will say we were a hopeless case before he started.

Anyway best of luck Frank I know a large majority of fans will be right behind you and the team especially at home and you might be surprised at the terrific support Everton get in the away games, keep us up and you are half way there to being accepted by everyone.

Or am I missing something...

They won't be arriving for a while as Bill has bought "Off-Peak" tickets for the train, so the first one leaving Euston will be mid-afternoon. He's also asking everybody to pair up for "Two Together" railcards so they can save 30% on the fares.

They are also "open-ended" return tickets, so don't count yer chickens until Frank is pictured in the (hopefully No 10) shirt, and it's formally announced, with Bill announcing 500 clubs in the Premier League were after Frank, but he chose Everton!!

Massive job just keeping us in top-flight football.

I want that and I want him to aim for high ground by playing good football. Anything on top of that in the immediacy is a bonus given the paucity of the last 3 decades but, with that approach, he will retain fan support and ignite Goodison.

Getting rid of Duncan Ferguson will say much more about the club's change in direction than the appointment of Lampard.

It's time for a real change in direction and management, and Lampard should bring that hopefully.

Jettison Duncan, let him go and find a job somewhere else where he can gain experience in another club culture that isn't slathered in glorious tears of the past.

I don't like the idea of Lampard being on his own with Kenwright for such a long time. By the time he gets to Runcorn, he'll be sick and tired of Billy's bullshit stories.

The most likely reason, IMO, is that the club didn't want to make the announcement late in the evening with no fanfare but rather wait and (dare I say it) do it properly today with all the pomp and Skyfoolery that goes with a new managerial appointment.

Looking forward to one loan and one permanent signing before that window slams shut on Monday. That window certainly takes some stick the number of times it's bleedin' slammed shut. No clue as to why it just can't be gently closed to save wear and tear on the hinges and locks which are not cheap these days – replacement parts readily available at Wickes though.

I genuinely hope all our energy can go into supporting the team rather than into getting rid of the manager and celebrating the fact that Benitez has gone!

But I'm getting nervous now as we always manage to fuck these things up at some point. No doubt having Ferguson as his sidekick is a major sticking point.

It all seems too convenient on the timing given the transfer window is about to close. We end up with a new manager but we get stuck with some bang-average players that should have been moved on years ago. What a mess we are in!

For a permanent role, given the all-flawed 'final three', I'd have gone for Lampard. Here's my reasons why:

Managed Chelsea when they were embargoed - 4th place & FA Cup Final

Brings through younger players

Good coaching team - if he can bring them

More likely to attract & retain better, younger players

He will need time, he will need to be left alone by Moshiri & Kenwright. He will need to learn from his mistakes at Chelsea.

Every choice would have been a gamble. Medium-term, he is the choice with more going for him.

Good luck Frank.

And, in many ways more significantly, good luck ,Tim!

Is he the right man? Ask me again in 2months time but until then we have to give him full support, assuming he has got the appointment. Wonder how Mrs Lampard received the news, probably a quick, "Go edd, Lah!" or "You 'avin' a larrff!"

Unlike Kendall and Moyes (when they came) he has managed in the Premier League. He also has played under our last 2 managers, last one to do that was Bingham who had played under Carey and Catterick.

I think what gives me confidence is it seems like he is bringing Anthony Barry from Chelsea, who was on our books, he does a lot of work on Chelsea's defensive set ups and apparently Tuchel will fight to keep him.

He is also rumoured to be bringing Steve Holland as his assistant, who is currently assistant to Gareth Southgate in the England set-up. Many attribute Holland's input into England being just as important as Southgate's. Holland has also worked under quite a few different managers at Chelsea and will bring a great deal of experience.

There are no guarantees in football and every appointment is a gamble, but I believe that, with Lampard and Holland, and supported by Barry, they will give us a far better chance going forward.

I differ from a lot of the comments, I thought he was a success at Derby – didn't they fight to keep him, and the squad of players that Tuchel won the Champions League with were all signed by Lampard, so I believe he can be proud of his achievements at Chelsea.

I'm expecting big things from Frank – a whole new backroom team, his own boss – but I hope he finds a place for Duncan, to be honest.

Frank will be announced when the coaching team is all in place and also a new signing or two and a loan, Lingard? All theatre and fanfare.

The pessimist in me is saying Frank says No, and the board come out and say;

“We tried to give the fans what they wanted but we hit a snag at the 11th hour, so we have turned to our joint favourite, Vitor.”

At 10:59:59 on Monday.

All I really know is, out of the 3, Frank is better to look at.

Just get on with it, Everton, a midfielder is essential. Sam and Robert, any central midfielders in the Championship we could go in for on a permanent contract?

On the train to Merseyside, Frank asked Bill could he get some peanuts and a bottle of water. Bill refused, claiming Farhad had taken his last tenner to pay for his taxi. But Bill did offer him a half sucked Polo mint and some soup in a flask that his Filipino houseboy prepared (the readymade stuff).

Frank, miffed by this treatment, told Bill where to shove his Polo mint and upgraded himself to First Class so he could be on his own. Bill is texting David, Roberto and Duncan to see who will save him before the train pulls in.

There has been some speculation in to what happens with Duncan if Lampard brings in Holland and Barry as his assistants, I have no idea as to what role Duncan may have going forward, but I don't think he will be offered an assistants job.

Maybe put him in charge of the U23s or let Unsworth carry on doing that and let Ferguson take on the role they have just given to Unsworth, which is to oversee everything right up to U23 level.

Kendall also played in Bingham's teams a grand total of seven league games and one FA Cup match, as well as the many more he appeared in under Catterick.

I stand corrected you are right Howard did play a few games under Bingham as well as Catterick.

It's up to the manager to pick the right player for the right position and play more than two in midfield to stop being overrun (as every man and his dog knows). We need additions here it sticks out like a sore thumb, the dross needs to go but it looks like it'll be via expiring contracts.

Hopefully with the right players and the right tactics, plus blood sweat and tears from the players, we can survive this mess. Then comes the Big Crunch – getting shut of Kenwright and his leeches who know jack-shit about running a football club – only ruining it.

Benitez has that accolade for us – so let's see if he can stop the rot once and for all.

And Benitez had the sixth-best win rate of Premier League managers.

You can massage stats all ways.

I hope Bill has a biro on him this time.

I've a good feeling about this managerial appointment, come on Everton get it done, give him what he wants. COYB.

Whoever is appointed, give them the time to sort out the players as it's been a long time coming and, with luck, Frank may bring in the quality we so desperately need.

And stop having a go at the board and the owner. Without them, we would be spending the next 100 years at Goodison and not looking forward to our new home which is a ground I thought I would never see!!!

Peter, they offered him the job. He probably said yes, so now they will work out a contract suitable to all.

People ITK thinks he’ll be announced as our manager tonight at the earliest.

Surely the club has had the foresight to plan even in this self-imposed compressed window?

I know, I realise I've used 'foresight' and a reference to Everton in the same sentence, but thought I'd leave it as it came out originally.

Well, they probably had breakfast in their plush 5-star hotel, followed by a couple of brandies in the bar. They then retreated to the conference room in their plush 5-star hotel for interviews.

This would have been followed by a three course lunch, followed by brandies in the bar. Around 4pm, afternoon tea would have been taken, followed by brandies in the bar.

After a late afternoon nap, they all retreated back to the restaurant for a five-course dinner, followed by brandies in the bar, where they remained well into the night.

Bill would have woke up this morning and thought “Fuck, we didn't negotiate a contract with Frank! This can be done back at Finch Farm.”

Bill hurriedly knocks on the doors of Farhad, Denise and Frank, shouting and screaming about this predicament. They all rush down to the restaurant for breakfast, no brandies at the bar this time, followed by a quick dash to Euston for the train back to Liverpool.

Contract negotiations are finally underway in the restaurant at Finch Farm. Brandy on standby to formally toast the arrival of Frank Lampard as the new Everton manager.

Lampard needs to tweak the formation (more in midfield), tweak set-pieces (man to man) and give the players more motivation from the start to get in front before sitting back. Fundamental rip-and-replace change can come in the summer if he manages to keep us up.

At the moment we need him to be a better manager than Howe, Dowie and others around us. Then, we need him to be better than Gerrard, Moyes, Lage and Co in the battle for Euro places.

Hopefully he is here for 3-5 years.

Not expecting a revolution, but steady improvement with a focus on youth would be a good start.

Hopefully he gets some coaches to sort out the defence, as hopefully Calvert-Lewin will like the appointment and stay.

I agree too that the National Socialists abhored communism and went to war with German communists on the streets, long before the Second World War broke out.

Having said that, there is a huge distinction between communism and socialism and the two should not be confused.

Nothing about Digne, nowt about Benitez, nowt about Pereira, nothing about Rooney this, Rooney that. The past just drags me down.

This is a new dawn, a new blue dawn. We're going to dominate Merseyside again. Frank's gonna tell Klopp to Fuck Off and we're going to dominate.

It's happening. January 2022 is where it all started again for us. Lampard's the new Kendall. So very happy!!!

Are Ebbrell Dunc and Rhino fighting over cones? C'mon – we need a cull. Something's gotta give.

Standby for more mockery. Gobshite board.

Also, I think another problem is with Kenwright trying to foist Duncan on Lampard. After all, Kenwright brought him back into the fold, and has supported Duncan all through this time. Maybe Uncle Bill is also still pushing for Duncan as manager?

Don't worry – it's ringfenced, mate. Frank's cheque is in the bank.

Altogether now, to the tune of "We're gonna win the league."

"We're gonna fuck it up,
We're gonna fuck it up.
And now you're gonna believe us,
And now you're gonna believe us,
And now you're gonna belieeeeeeve uuuuuus,
We're gonna fuck it up."

In addition, all the wasters who will be leaving this summer without a fee: Tosun, Kenny, Delph and an unnamed player. All bought for over £75M.

With no money and very little youth talent coming through, how will they be replaced?

The ideal location for the Lampards to locate too would be the leafy Cheshire area. No doubt this will be where Frank lived when he played for Man City.

This is just to get the manager in, how the hell are we going to sign the players we need in 48 hours!?!

Shambles

Branthwaite and Dobbin.

I'm hopeful for Lewis Warrington and keeping an eye on Stanley Mills.

And the 2 new full backs are young with potential.

How many of these players will have a relegation clause? Also as much as Rafa, Bill will be blamed for our current league position and these players have put us there.

If the club is relegated, then clear them all off!! Lets concentrate on staying in the league. Add 3 players by monday. Shake it up a bit.

It's Branthwaite, but I agree, Dobbin, Warrington and Mills have all been impressive, plus Patterson. A back four of Patterson, Godfrey, Branthwaite and Mykolenko would be rapid, and allow a lot higher press up the field. This would reduce the workload on our midfield, by pushing them up into a smaller area, and the forwards can harry their defence.

Pace makes all the difference in the world, and there is a pacy team in our squad, excluding Allan and Rondon!

If this is the case, then yet again it's Kenwright sticking his oar in. If it was a unanimous decision to offer the job to Lampard, then he decides who he wants and doesn't want, not Kenwright.

Kenwright Out!!

Duncan has had his time at this point. Time to move on, Big Man. The sentimentality needs to be put aside given the position we are in.

Leaving Everton could be the making of him, he should try and see it as an opportunity to prove himself.

The last time I remember hearing that was when Andy Gray was going to become our new manager in the '90s. Also look at the transfer of Manny Fernandes being a done deal and Lukaku 99% signing a new contract. I'll relax when I see that Lampard has been officially announced!

But I am less concerned about Mrs Lampard not wanting to live in the north as Frank did have a spell at Man City late on in his career. Hope it all goes through and we get some midfield reinforcements before the end of Monday.

A lot of the BBC stuff is done from Media City in Salford now.

It's convenient all around.

If we do get this done let's embrace it and the change that follows.

But more change needed and most of us agree where. #27 years doesn't stop at this.

I would think it's more to do with sorting the contracts of his backroom staff that maybe taking a few hours today. That's why this decision should have been made days ago, mind if it had, and Moshiri had gone ahead, we may well now have Pereira in charge.

I know Jody Morris was his assistant at Derby and Chelsea but rumour has it that they had a falling out and haven't spoken for months, and now Morris is looking for a manager's job in his own right.

I don't think you can tell an incoming manager who he has to have as an assistant – that's his decision alone. Now if Everton wish to keep Ferguson at the club and still pay him the same salary, then that's up to the club... but, if Lampard doesn't want him as part of his set-up, then that's the way it has to be.

""Everton are yet to agree on terms with Frank Lampard for him to take over as the new manager of the club, according to Liverpool Echo.

The Toffees offered the former Chelsea and England midfielder the role on Friday night [Telegraph] after a long process following Rafa Benitez's sacking two weeks ago.

There were suggestions that Lampard had already begun taking part in the process to bring players in before Monday's transfer deadline, but the Liverpool Echo have poured cold water on those.

According to them, ‘an agreement has yet to be reached on the terms of Lampard's deal and the make-up of the backroom staff he would want at Goodison.'

That means that an announcement can't be made just yet, with them stating that an agreement on terms ‘remains some way off'.

Pushing it

It's getting to a point now where Everton are just pushing all the buttons of their fans when it comes to making this decision.

Having had the whole process played out so publicly, including Vitor Pereira even doing an interview about his job interview, the decision to pick Lampard was leaked out early once again.

They're now waiting to agree on terms to appoint him, with everyone already in full expectation that they want him.

If a deal were to collapse now then it would be yet another absolutely ridiculous moment at Goodison Park over the last month alone.

The club need to pull their finger out and get Lampard in if that's who they've decided on and ensure that he has as much time to work with the squad as possible. No more games.""

More worryingly is this by Paul Joyce;

""Everton have reportedly made a formal offer to appoint Frank Lampard as their next manager.

According to The Times's Paul Joyce, the club are in discussions with the former Chelsea boss and captain.

He claims that these negotiations are likely to end in the next 24 hours and Sunday could be when he's finalised to be the new Toffees manager.""

This could only be Everton dithering whilst the club is burning; just get Fireman Frank hired, and back him!

The leak I suspect regards Frank's appointment would be from Moshiri's people to try and keep the fans sweet? (Or Miss Congenialty ~ Not! DBB!)

Whatever the situation, if it is about contract length, get-out clauses, relegation clauses, or backroom staff; please for the Love of the Gods, get it sorted pronto!

Knowing us, we'll agree at the 11th hour and miss bringing anybody in, other than a couple of Joorabchian's rejects...

I've read and listened to many different views and opinions.

I've tried to be balanced and diplomatic.

We need change not sentiment. Why is Duncan Ferguson even in the conversation (if he is)? If Lampard is to be be our manager, what can he tell him about winning? Nothing quite frankly (no pun intended).

Break the mould Everton. You're finally doing it with the stadium. Now do it with the footballing structure. It hasn't worked for 27 plus years. Arguably for over 50 years bar Howard's brief ray of joy and Joe Royle winning an FA Cup.

Change it. Top to bottom.

Sorry. Reaching for a glass.

Given that, have you heard what is or might be delaying a formal announcement?

We need a new era, we need to move forward as a club" I'd say to Kenwright " Do you want to stagnate or stay in a fucking rut forever".

I'd rather have Frank without Dunc, fresh start. No offence to Dunc but I want a new backroom staff as much as I want Lampard.

It will get done, have faith. Kenwright knows this is the Last Chance Saloon for him, surely, and Frank "Jesse James" Lampard has just pushed open the doors...

People seem to be getting so worked up over something that they have no information on whatsoever, seem to have made their minds up about what the hold up is, who's fault it is, and why it's happened.

How can you be so angry (because that's how it's coming across) about something which only your own imagination, or the suggestions of others' imaginations has created?

Save any bad feelings until some information is out there that warrants anger.

Take some deep breaths, chill, and repeat to yourselves "Everything will be okay in the end; if it's not okay, it's not the end."
Aaaaaaaaaaaand breathe.

He's either an unbelievable optimist or a total dickhead who wants a few million for a couple of months work. Based on the last few years, I'd take the latter.

As others have said salary will have been discussed, Lampard himself has said he wants the job, Unless the length of the contract, there is no other logical reason for me.

If Lampard does bring his own back room staff, I fully expect Ferguson to be sat next to Sharp in some sort of role, if that is the case, no wonder Duncan will not try his hand at Management elsewhere, job for life and easy money at Everton.

Yes, I am and I will be a damn sight older by the time they announce this.

I think that Lampard took Barry to Chelsea when he was there so they do have some history between them, in a good way. If that's the case, then I can see Barry returning with Lampard to the club where he was a player, albeit a junior one.

Our usual negotiation arthritis.

If the delay in naming him is to tell him that he has to take the aforesaid legend on his staff, I would think that Everton will never change and go forward.

I've nothing against Duncan and he may well make a good manager... if he goes out and puts himself forward for a club to hire, see how he gets on and see how many clubs, including us, want to headhunt him.

Surely to the great gods, our board (Kenwright) are not going to insist on the same leaky ship but different captain.

On second thoughts, it would surprise me if Uncle Bill paints a picture of his idea of a Family Club. If so, I think we're in for a hard time.

I think it's a hard time we're in already and we'll need everything going for us, including the manager, his staff, the players... and us, if we're going to get away from the drop zone.

Fer fuck's sake, Everton, get the man in on his terms... quick!

Why has he consistently been seemingly imposed on manager after manager? I personally don't get it. Its hardly like he's had a Colin Harvey effect. Oh for a younger Colin Harvey. Now there was a coach.

Love the bones of Duncan as much as he loves Everton. But I love Everton as does Kenwright apparently.

No Dunc bashing here, just do what is right for Everton.

I genuinely don't know the answer to what we do with Duncan. I think he has a role to play at the club, but not in the first team dugout. He doesnt seem to influence or have the power to do so. He sits in the background.

Was he over rawed himself? It feels like it.

Fresh start Everton. Others have done it. Stop living in the past. Look to the future. Look outside.

A man who has worked hard to heal his wounds and who is a public credit to the club. I hope he stays, in a proper role; people like him are invaluable members of any organisation. It's not all about graphs, charts and "key performance indicators".

Defensively we are still out to lunch and any team can feel confident about scoring against us.

Frank certainly knows about what is expected and has all the Prem. experience necessary especially as a player.

What he can do about this Everton squad remains to be seen but hopefully they shipped out Rafa in the nick of time.

C.O.Y.B.

*Subject to availability; terms and conditions may apply

I miss the back of a taxi days tbh...

That's how I've ended up with two kids.

As Carragher says in the article, if he can get the fans on side. he will be well on his way to success.

I got my ticket for Brentford as soon as they came out. Rain or shine this is still my beloved Everton and I follow them no matter what.

I wonder how many sell-outs the gobshites, the chavs, Citeh etc would have if they had such a barren run of trophies that we've had? Fuck the haters – we have the best fans.

I've heard a lot of "Out Tory Boy" shouts and people aren't happy. So what! My parents were Tories (I'm not), but they were still my parents, I didn't like them voting Tory but that's life. Some folk would be pissed-off winning £1million on the lottery cos they didn't win £2million.

I'm well made up with the appointment, the only one I have genuinely been happy about since Joe Royle.

I am usually pessimistic about any new manager coming on board but I really think this could be the making of us. COYMB.

Keith #322, I've been complaining about the lack of pace in the squad for ten years now. I won't go as far as you and call it "pacy" now, but I'll concede it's a bit less glacial.

With regards to Lampard uniting the fan base, a Blue friend emailed me that most Everton fans aren't forgiving. Not just for what his father did to us in 1980, but what he did to us in the 2009 final. Anybody agree with that?

We don't need to worry about FFP either. The worst they can do is ban us from playing in Europe. As we are closer to the Championship than we are to the Champions league, we need to secure our survival first.

We were poor against Villa but DCL should have scored and Mina missed a couple of good chances. Those three points would have had a different spin on our thinking.

I am still 100% sure we will be the drop but we need to sort out midfeild in the next two days and get some bodies in.

West Ham has always produced serious football people and I think there will be a natural affinity.

As ever, it's about timing and this feels like we've struck the moment.

But you're right, no grudges. Frank was doing his job then. Let's hope he does it just as well now.

I can't wait to have a manager whom we can all truly support. I know some people have reservations but I think everyone desperately wants him to succeed and will let him know it. That is going to make an enormous difference to our prospects.

I believe that he got mixed up with a comment I made once that we were customers rather than stakeholders? To be honest, I was wrong and I recognise that, in football, the fans are the only reason for clubs to exist.

Yes, we're customers in the strictest definition but, even as non-shareholders, we have massive power via the media. Too much? Of course... but that is modern life. I believe 'fan' and 'supporter' are exactly interchangeable although some may differentiate.

Well, I am hoping the reason why that is, is that he will only sign on the dotted line if he gets 100% commitment from the board and he gets full control on who he buys and sells and bringing in his own management assistant and team.

Let's face it, all our previous managers have been forced to keep Duncan Ferguson as their assistant (this will be Kenwright's choice) and I am under the impression that Moshiri has forced through several signings not wanted by some of the previous managers (The 2017 summer transfer window debacle).

I think Lampard will only sign if he has full control of everything. In terms of commanding respect, he has been one of the best midfielders in the Premier League era so surely the players will look up to him and be willing to graft for him.

This time 2 weeks ago, I said to myself "I hope it's not Lampard," but I have since changed my mind. I do hope he signs and gets to work Monday morning and brings in at least one midfielder and one experienced centre-half.

Just to clarify, you are saying that anyone left wing has not grown up?

Not sure how anyone can express pride in being Tory in the current climate, but for the record, I couldn't give a rat's arse who our new manager votes for.

With being an Official Member I logged on Wednesday with loads of tickets available, however would only allow you to purchase one ticket, I knew full well tickets would still be available for general sale, but with being an official member, surely if only two tickets, there should be a better option to buy two for a cup game with being a member, than have to wait for general sale, where you can then purchase up to 6 tickets at a time, check out then put another ticket through, if needed.

Fair enough on Premier League games, I get that, but for cup games surely they should allow say maximum of 2 tickets, rather than just the one.

Barry's set piece work at Chelsea has massively benefitted them. Here's a piece below I enjoyed reading:

Thomas Tuchel very rarely sits down during a Chelsea game. His default position is on the touchline and from there he can bark out instructions, cajole his players, and give out the occasional scolding.

There are, however, fleeting moments that Tuchel takes a seat in the dugout, and in his place tends to rise a member of the Blues coaching staff: Anthony Barry.

Brought to Chelsea in the summer of 2020 by Frank Lampard, Barry has been given control of the Blues' set-pieces. So whenever a corner is being defended or attacked or a free-kick routine needs to be utilised, it is the 35-year-old who is trusted by Tuchel to take care of business.

"Anthony was from the first moment a big part of our coaching team because first of all he is a fantastic guy, a fantastic character, very open, very friendly and he has top quality and analysing games and giving his opinion," Tuchel said of Barry last season.

"He's very comfortable in front of the group. He is in charge, the specialist, for all set-pieces so he's doing video sessions, training for set-pieces and he is the assistant for any other exercises which is a pleasure to have him around."

Barry's work has paid off this term. Chelsea have, per WhoScored, already scored 10 goals from set-pieces in the Premier League, a figure only behind Liverpool (12). Many of these have been key: Thiago Silva's header against Tottenham prior to the current break the latest example.

The impact Barry has had at Chelsea is unlikely to have surprised those on the FA's Pro Licence. He was the only 2020 graduate to have his dissertation 'The Undervalued Set-Piece' published as an academic paper.

Its focus was on throw-ins and the research involved Barry watching each one of 6,380 taken in the 2018-19 Premier League campaign.

This forensic approach has benefited Chelsea, but for how much longer? Barry has attracted interest from other clubs and was offered the chance to take over at former club Fleetwood Town in December. However, he was persuaded to stay at Chelsea by Tuchel, who he enjoys a strong working relationship with.

Tuchel may have to work his magic again in the days ahead as, according to The Athletic, Lampard is keen to bring Barry to Everton as part of his coaching staff. Joe Edwards, a strong link between the first team and academy at Cobham, is also understood to have been targeted.

Lampard has not yet been officially confirmed as the Toffees' new head coach but is expected to be appointed sooner rather than later. It will be his first job since being sacked by Chelsea a year ago.

It's no surprise that the man who brought Barry to Stamford Bridge is keen to now take him to Goodison Park. And that may be an alluring offer, given Barry was born and raised in Liverpool and began his playing career, which was curtailed by a knee injury, at Everton.

There was always going to come a point that Barry left Chelsea, his rising stature in the game ensured that. But a mid-season departure would be a blow to Tuchel and the Blues, who would need to quickly find another sharp mind to maintain their set-piece threat.

No, I didn't say that... only that this was my turning point in life.

That's a tremendous piece. Thanks. I love the wider knowledge you have of things like this.

One of many things we're crying out for is a coach who recognises throw-ins as a potential for attacking. We usually look like a bunch of strangers, quite obvious that there is no plan and more often than not the ball ends up back with Pickford. Be great to see this change (and others).

Just couriered 2000 T-shirts down overnight from Cumbria. You can start selling them at Finch Farm tomorrow when Vinny O'Connor and Jim White officially announce it. 1000 each of:

"Frankie Says Kopites are Gobshites"
"Frankie Says Klopp's a Klunt"

Tenner each pal, should shift them in no time.

Have faith, guys.

Praise Heaped Upon Ireland's 'Priceless' Assistant Coach

The talk around the Irish senior men's management team is nearly exclusively focussed on Stephen Kenny, but one of his assistant's is beginning to make his name more familiar amongst the general public.

Anthony Barry was brought into the Irish setup by Kenny to replace Damien Duff. It is a part-time role for Barry, with his main gig being a head coach with Chelsea.

From Cardiff to Ipswich, Barry's name is now regularly being linked to managerial vacancies in the Championship. While it seems inevitable that Barry will someday manage a club at an elite level, it seems Ireland are spoiled to have his services at present.

Perhaps the most striking evidence of Barry's ability is the fact that he was not moved at Chelsea when Thomas Tuchel took the reins at the clubs.

Tuchel did not know much about Anthony Barry when he arrived but was quickly impressed by his coaching chops, on top of the praise senior player Thiago Silva had given him.

Simon Johnson and Dominic Fifield of The Athletic have published a piece detailing Barry's rise and his fine reputation among his peers.

After a respectable career as a player in League One and Two, Barry retired aged 31. He then joined Wigan Athletic as an assistant to Paul Cook. Chris Brass, former head of football operations at Wigan outlines the promise the young coach displayed.

“The biggest thing I noticed about Anthony was the work ethic. The transition from a player to a coach can be difficult. Instead of having lots of free time, you now have to work a lot of hours. But I'd rock up at 6 am and he'd already be there. Then he'd ask to come with me to a night game, so he'd be getting home at midnight. He was a sponge. I thought there's someone special here who is prepared to work hard.

“He perhaps finished playing too soon. It was a brave decision because the financial rewards are not there early doors. But he identified if he gets it right, this will work in the long run.

“We took his UEFA Pro Licence and an LMA course alongside each other. It's challenging doing one of those while working at a club, but he was doing both.”

Anthony Barry is also a set-piece specialist. As part of his Pro License course he wrote a dissertation on throw-ins that was published as an academic paper, and he also takes charge of Chelsea's set-piece.

Chelsea keeper Marcus Bettinelli explains the detail and quality of Barry's 'priceless' work.

“He will split sessions so one day we'll be concentrating on defending set-pieces, another will be on attacking set-pieces. It all depends on the opposition. There will be teams who do different set-ups and are vulnerable in certain areas. Anthony's expertise is looking at that with the analysis guys and seeing where we can find an edge.

“We have scored from set-pieces this season because of Anthony's ideas. The manager acknowledges that. It's crucial because that set-piece could win us the game and that's down to him.

From an Irish perspective, if Kenny's contract is not renewed, we don't just lose our manager but we risk losing the nous of one of the brightest up and coming coaches in world football.

Fair enough. I'm trying very hard not to rise to the bait of Hugh's quotation and focus on the footie...

Feel impatient as everyone else, but would rather things were done properly. I'm assuming all this speculation about Ferguson's role causing the delay is based on zero evidence and that, actually, it's just that modern contracts take an age to thrash out.

I can't remember many cases of news releases saying a manager has been offered a contract before the person has agreed terms, but maybe I'm just forgetful.

At Chelsea he had players who were fit, fast and didn't fall over trying to control a ball so we're not comparing apples with apples.

Plus I'm still scarred by the hype around Moyes – "a young attacking coach" they said. Enough evidence right there for a conviction

Don't care that his dad knocked us out the Cup.
Don't care who he votes for.
Don't care what his religion is.

I just want a good football Manager who can keep us up and take us forward. At least he hasn't had anyone murdered! To the best of my knowledge.

Welcome, Frank.

Okay, wildly speculative! But worth a fiver?

Do you do them in Jacamo sizes? Doubt I would squeeze into a "one size fits all".

I can understand your scepticism but under his influence Chelsea improved their use of set pieces and throw-ins. Very good players can be improved with the help of top-class analysis and coaching.

This lad has impressed many top coaches. Not only does he put the work in, he also invests in his own self-improvement and development.

The article mentioned by Ray Roche includes an account of how he worked on his presentation skills so that he could better communicate with a roomful of seasoned, sometimes cynical professionals.

We have every reason to believe we are getting a top class coach, if he joins us.

Anyway, I'm sceptical of this appointment. He had a much better defence at Chelsea and they still leaked goals in ways that seemed to be more to do with tactics than individual errors.

Along with, at least, 2 midfielders and 1 centre-back, the team needs characters and big personalities. My pick would have been Pereira. Especially if there was some truth to the Thomas Muller rumours.

Appreciated and my apologies. I was just responding to an earlier post that called into question his coaching abilities due to his political persuasion.

I agree this is not the place and I too avoid the "social media" sites because I think they are dangerous and, as has been shown, can be used to badly influence formative minds.

We live in the world of "Fake News" or, as seems to be the case with this appointment – "No News".

Give Lampard a chance – it may take 2 years just to steady this sinking ship. Some Everton fans are philosophers of absolute nonsense with over-the-top opinions and analysis of the way Everton should be run.

Many said give the few a chance.

"Very good players can be improved"

Therein lies the problem – we don't have any.

The coach or coaches we have, don't seem to have done us much good. Though I think that comes down as well, to some (quite a few!) of our players lacking a lot of things that make a decent footballer.

Hopefully, Barry will have better players to work with, if Frank can pull a couple of loan players in, and gives our youngsters more time with a good coach.

I was hoping someone on here could rationalise Frank Lampard's (impending) appointment by having an insight into his footballing philosophy, tactics, player management etc. Do you have an opinion on this?

I don't know enough about the man other than he was a very good player; hopefully he's very successful here but it seems to me to be a punt on a big 'name'.

BTW, been a member on here for years. Snowflake?? I haven't heard that one for donkey's years.

I've just read somewhere that we can only bring in one more. He'll have to be real good un, as we're in desperate need of 2 maybe 3 more if we can get them in.

I get very nervous whenever our defence try and cope with a ball booted into the penalty area... so do they!

I agree. It's all well and good crunching data and researching patterns but being able to coach players towards their technical and athletic potential is a much tougher prospect than doing the written work.

There was a manager, I forget who now, but one of the unfashionable British managers who have regularly been in and around the Premier League (maybe Warnock, or Pulis, or Allardyce or similar) who talked about the importance of winning the first header on attacking corner kicks.

I think he had worked out that, if the attacking side wins the first header at a corner kick, then they have a 1 in 3 chance of a goal – or maybe it was a shot on target. I forget. But I remember thinking surely players don't need stats to back up the importance of winning headers at corners; it must be self-evident, surely?

Stats might help a coach to elaborate on that importance but, for me, football often gets over-complicated by people who want to win football matches on pieces of paper and iPads rather than on the pitch.

We didn't have a Sky tactical insight into Howard's managerial tactics or style, the man picked his trade and knowledge on the way.

Give Lampard a chance. Who else do we deserve?

I imagine the board are down in London enjoying a West End show and musing to themselves, “Did Frank accept our offer or not? We must remember to ask him tomorrow before those media people start asking awkward questions…”

Barry Rathbone, same for you.

Given all of that, we would also do well not to analyse matters as though we were a top 6 regular, entitled to success and, further, entitled to turn up our noses at the common herd and at managers who have various weaknesses under the microscope (or according to dim prejudice). Just because, you know, we're Everton and, er, Blue is best and, er, that's it.

If we're going to fix ourselves, it's best to understand how deep the damage is. Build from there might be a good idea.

Just the fact he's willing to take this shitshow on says a lot about Lampard to me. I hope he ends up leading us into the new stadium and becomes as much a legend here as he is at the bridge. Points vs Newcastle and Leeds would be a fine start because you just know the previous manager would have got none.

Eric Clapton is no Jeff Beck but he's a great guitarist, regardless of his politics.

Taking over an aristocratic club like Everton, compared to new kids on the block, Chelsea, must be unnerving for him.

Apologies, I should have said ‘Even very good players can be improved'.

His work with the Ireland team suggests he has the ability to improve less talented players. Improving average to mediocre players requires the same skill set.

Why the fuck can't it just be announced tonight if everything is agreed?

If that's the case, then Frank Lampard will have the men with him who he chose and who he trusts.

What a great, goalscoring midfielder he was! If he's been adamant to bring his two chosen men with him, then maybe we will begin to see a football strategy taking place.

Tony (445),

I agree with you. We are in a dark place and it's going to take the manager and his staff, a massive effort to stop us from going down.

Great news though that it’s reported that the backroom team is on board too. Delighted about that important news if true. Also that they are on the case for signings. All good news.

If he gets the job, I believe he will be the first Everton manager to have been born in London.

Nice clubs win nothing. Everton are way too nice.

(Not as good as Jonathan's though)

He went one better than his dad, by scoring the winner against us in the final, compared to his father's semi-final goal, so hopefully he's going to go one better again, and help bring that beautiful trophy back to Goodison after such a very long drought.

Because we are fucking Everton... none of us should be surprised if: "Lampard turns down Everton"

Slagging off Moshiri and the suits but praising Kenwright… Give me fucking strength, no fucking wonder we are in this current position. Absolutely embarrassing, I really do despair. Steve, give your head a wobble

I’m currently on holiday in the south of Scotland, and Mrs Mills was very tolerant when I said I fancied going to watch Queen of the South v Dunfermline Athletic this afternoon. I wasn’t offended when she declined my invitation to join me.

When I looked at the league positions it immediately appeared to be a mid-table battle, but then it dawned on me that 9th v 10th is actually a match between the bottom two in the Scottish second tier.

I arrived at the ground early, and there was little sign of life, apart from a guy taking a few photos of the outside of the old turnstiles. I got chatting with him, he was from Bradford, he paints portraits of football grounds, and had befriended a few Dunfermline supporters some years ago and was due to meet them.

We went for a beer, then met up with the Dunfermline lads, 3 of whom said to me “We beat your lot in Europe”. That victory was in 1962! I decided that 60 years was time enough for absolution.

Talking at half-time with Paul, the artist, he told me he had done a portrait of Goodison as a commission for an author of an Everton book, “Faith of our Families”. I told him I know the author quite well, he’s my nephew, James Corbett.

I’ve found out this evening that the picture captures a scene of Goodison from the Main Stand, in the foreground of which is the back of me, my brother, and my late Dad, from whom is emanating a puff of smoke (from his pipe, not the papal smoke we are awaiting).

Dunfermline won 0-2. It was a good day.

At least this should see the back of Ferguson at last, or so you would think. Who'll replace Lampard once the booing starts?

It's TW, someone needs to be the fall guy.

I'm getting to the situation where sometimes I feel I'd rather talk to a Kopite about football than see all the negativity on so many Everton fans forums. That's not actually true, because I'd risk being locked up, if I had to discuss Everton with the arrogant sods who support that club, but I do wish that some folk would consider the effect it has on everybody else when they post mostly fearful, negative, often unsubstantiated thoughts on every single thread about the club or its fans.

At least in the old days there was only one guy with the "The End Is Nigh" sandwich board and you only seen him on the way into or out of the ground, now it's like you encounter thousands of these guys, no matter where you to go to get your Everton information from.

Smile! life is short, enjoy what you can, whilst you can, and never accept that everything about Everton is crap now and it always will be, because it isn't and hasn't been, even though we'll all admit that it's been pretty rubbish for most of the last few years, tomorrow is a new day and Everton can get better, it will take a bit of time but without believing things can improve, we are adding to the culture of failure that so many people, including myself aim at the players and the club.

Lampard will become the new boss, he has to hit the ground running for the sake of the club and we need everybody that goes to Goodison and elsewhere to support him and his team.

I am very happy to add that Frank Lampard will be the first ever Everton manager to have had a coffee in the cafe of my very good friend, Frank Cafolla.

If, by any chance, Frank or the lovely Christine should ever read ToffeeWeb, your picture is still on the wall.

I remember that feller wandering about with his placard while we were all going in the ground.

I felt the same as you, there is a kind of group mind now (maybe Twitter or whatever) among a section of the crowd. Seems to be quick to boo and slow to encourage. And then seems to think they represent all the supporters. Not only what effect it has on other supporters, but about what it does to the players' confidence?

You're spot on about the gift of life, enjoy every day while you can and never forget we support a great club.

Is that injunction the lovely Christine took out against you still active by the way?

Great post.

Stop sitting on the fence!

Rob. The moneys 50/50, less my printing and delivery costs, you tight git.

Sweet dreams beckon, with a new manager and midfield to wake up to!!

I am also hoping he can manage to persuade Loftus-Cheek to sign on loan until the end of the season. We are in desperate need of a player like him right now and maybe Lampard's connections at Chelsea could see him join us because he would be a great signing.

I think we still need at least 2 new quality midfielders and so maybe Lingard as well. Come on get Frank in charge ASAP so he can bring in some reinforcements before the end of the transfer period.

Brilliant Barry. It's never a chore following Everton; it's a gift.

I've sat near some of those "shite Everton" people in just about every match I've ever attended, even when we were winning titles. But this season, myself Derek & Andy as well as those around us were subject to a special one at Norwich home. Within 2 minutes. Had his language not been a combination of "excuse my French" and lucifer's tongue, he'd have been a contender for the job of sandwich board, the end is nigh man you bring back memories of!!

Let's get this done Everton and move forward.

Anyway, we're still waiting for news of Frank's taking over as manager and, very hopefully (is that proper English??) he's bringing the fellers in who he believes in for his assistants.

I think Duncan Ferguson should only stay in the role he has, if the Frank specifically asks for him. It's as if the Board can't quite let go of him, just in case the next manager on the Magic Merry go round is sacked within a season or two. I think we definitely need to get a manager in who will look at what we've got in the first team squad and start rebuilding that squad.

I'm not sure at all, what monies we'll have in the summer, but there are players in the squad who are not good enough. If we put them up for sale, we'd get about ten bob for them.

We've got to face it, there's a chance that we'll go down because of the signings we've made over the last six years. and the anxious rapid replacement of managers during that time. Hopefully not, but look at our midfield (well, what midfield?) three are out for a month or so; and one hasn't been seen for a year or so and not likely to figure this season, if at all ever again..
Hopefully we can get someone in who can form a defensive partnership with Allan. I don't know about our defence. It was said that it was Benitez fault because of zonal marking. I think we just have a poor defence. I hope Branthwaite can come in and if Mina ever stays fit then I hope its them in the two centre half positions. Godfrey to play anywhere in defence, as and when needed until the two young fullbacks are ready for the Prem. Hopefully, Calvert Lewin gets back to match fitness asap and then we've got players to pick a decent team from.
We've got no time for bedding in. Hopefully Frank has seen some of our displays and has ideas how to improve what we've got. Including using some of our younger players. Nor excluding Rondon, if needed.

Pickford
Patterson, Branthwaite, Mina, Mykolenko
Godfrey
Allan, VDB
Gray, DLC, Richarlison

Gordon and Dobbin can be used. Doucoure too when fit.

Godfrey has played DMC before.

Rondon, Iwobi and Keane should be nowhere near this club, never mind team.

Hopefully, Frank knows!

He loved Lampard's time as manager. Front-foot, exciting football, bringing through talented youngsters (he had to!), having a go at other coaches (Bielsa & Klopp) and getting them 4th and a cup final.

The problems arose when the embargo was lifted, with the rise in pressure & expectations. His view was that when things went wrong, he had little alternatives to sort things out. Plus, he had serious fallings-out with some senior players, whose performances improved under Tuchel.

They all still love him, due to his history, but the difference when Tuchel came in was stark. But Tuchel is a world-class coach, with more experience than Lampard at that level.

His big questions were has he improved defensively and will he cope with the 'mess' that is Everton?

Make of that what you will.
.

But when the press now talk of his backroom staff they talk about Barry and Black, so I assume Holland wont be his assistant. I hope that Holland is his assistant as his experience would be vital to Lampard, not to mention what a great coach he is.

Good players, decent players and average players all have one thing in common nowadays, especially at Everton, because it’s the manager who comes in for most of the stick. He does pick the team after all.

I personally think that any manager relieved of his duty, who then jumps right back into another job, is not doing himself any favours, (although it’s obviously great for his bank balance) because if you want to improve, then you need time to reflect, and this is hopefully why Lampard decided to take time out?

Jonathan #514, I have that fear too. This feels like a potentially defining point in our history. I am praying it is a turning point from which we go on to great things. Frank most definitely needs to stand his ground for everyone’s sake.

We still have the same class of player, the ones that have to take to the field and actually play the game, managers can only do so much.

I wish Lampard all the best of luck, because unless he can attract a upgrade from the ones we have been signing he will go the same way as the ones before him. Nobody will be more pleased than me if he proves a wonderfull manager and gets us to where we want to be, but put me down as sceptical till proved otherwise.

I have experienced the highs and the lows and right now we are having a really rough time, brought about by poor management and a period of bad results. It is so easy for each of us to think we alone know the cure. I just live in hope that Frank Lampard is at least that glimmer of light that can bring about improvement.

I refuse to slag off all those who consider "HOPE" to be naive. We have to try once more to put aside all thoughts of "Here we go again"and have realistic expectations that this appointment is going to work. His ONE goal for this season is to escape relegation. Depressing right now that such a goal is hardly a measure success in the normal sense, but for now it is at least REALISTIC. C.O.Y.B

If I had to bet the house on it I'd say we just survive and no more. Won't be easy and I'm reconciled to the idea of slipping into the abyss simply because this mixture of sicknotes and technically poor players really are relegation material.

We need the fabled "new manager bounce" and perhaps a Kevin Campbell type signing from somewhere

I'll post the links under here, but apparently, according to Chelsea media, Anthony Barry may be staying at Chelsea.

The positives are that he'll be bringing in Joe Edwards, and Chris Jones though.

So, out of his Fab Five when he took the reins at Chelsea, Eddie Newton has already gone solo, Jodie Morris wants to go solo, and Anthony Barry is considering that it is better to stay with the current Champions League Holders, rather than go to the Everton basket case club?

Here's the links;

Freedom of choice

Why move?

It'll be something of a downer if that happens.

100% with your views.

Been a blue for 58yrs, and have lived through the ups and downs of being an Evertonian.

Optimistic that Lampard will come good.

We can’t keep changing managers!, it’s farcical, and makes a mockery out of our once great club.

Hope springs eternal mate, but sometimes it's the hope that kills you!!

COYB.

I think all Evertonians need to reset their expectations for the next season or three.

First and foremost for the next couple of seasons is our EPL survival, whilst at the same time paring away the rotten from the healthy, and slowly by acquiring a couple of players a window, we start to develop something like a team that can play 'Frank Football'.

I personally don't see anything wrong with finishing 16-17th for a couple of seasons, as long as progress is there to be seen on the pitch. NB That is not setting a low bar, that is taking the first step back to greatness (whatever that means?)

As someone posted elsewhere, I consider myself to be a positive sceptic, but I will back Frank to the hilt whilst he is Everton's manager.

We all need to now get behind the players, and accept that Project Reset now means survive the mess that the original Project Reset has put us in.!?

Forget the past and the recriminations, along with the outpouring of bile, and support the playing staff and Frank.

As long as we avoid relegation this season, nought else matters!

I also for one, support the 27 years campaign, and hope that open dialogue can be established, and the fans concerns can be addressed to Mr. Moshiri (Though I feel it really needs to reach Mr. Usmanov)

To restore the crumbling edifice that is currently EFC, we need to accept that parts of the structure need to be demolished, whilst new foundations and footings are put in place. Alongside, a genuine critical review by an outside party (preferably, one which has vast football management experience, alongside corporate and commercial expertise!)

While that may never happen, remember that there is always hope that Moshiri~Usmanov realise that they are out of their depth, and look for a buyer.

I know, I know, be careful what you wish for. However, I don't wish for much. I would just like a competent owner, a functional and progressive club, alongside some positive football.

#27 NSNO UTFT COYB

For me, it would seem that Frank insists on bringing his own team, nobody imposed by the Everton board. Everton want to dictate who stays so put it out there that job has been offered but are not willing to meet Franks conditions. Stalemate.

This is very concerning considering that the transfer window closes in less than 34 hours.

Lampard probably won't want Ferguson but nothing can be concluded yet and Lampard reluctant to sign until this is all agreed.

No intrigue, no hesitation, no reluctance... just that, you know, out there in the Real World, these things take some finite time to get done.

It's a trifle worrying, but nothing unusual for Everton. Someone is obviously working behind the scenes as we try to bring Donny van de Beek in.

Tomorrow may be very busy.

I think approaches will already have been made to bring in who we are able to, considering the restrictions we're working under and I think Frank L will want to be assured of the positions taken in the club by Ferguson, Bainsey, and maybe where they're going to put our brilliant ex-midfielder!

Evidently, we've got got Van de Beek on loan!

It can be a bit of a long process, yet Watford sacked Ranieri on Monday and had Hodgson on the training pitch on Tuesday. Can only think that Watford had all this done behind Ranieri's back.

I think Dunc is being given the push, or perhaps a job in the canteen.

Good luck to him.

I just hope he is supported and these players respond and not act up way beyond their pay grade as some seem to have done this past few years. Route them out, Frank, and build a team in your image.

I was very surprised; he is a modern coach who seems to reflect on his selections when it goes wrong.

Link

That said, we can't just give Ferguson a well-paid job just cos he loves Everton, can we?? Coleman cannot join the coaches and not sure why Baines was brought back, it's pathetic, and sentimental.

Arsenal had some platinum players in the 90s, Bergkamp, Viera and Henry. None of them have been employed by the club since they retired from playing.

Crystal Palace down are in this fight for survival, Brentford have hit a brick wall.

We have games and points in hand; if we go down from this position, we are going to have to be exceedingly poor.

Apologies.

Hoping and despite my comment above, I am quietly optimistic but it would really help if we can get one more defensive midfielder in before tomorrow.

He comes across as a decent, thoughtful and ambitious man, but also someone who has very little experience and is aware he's probably been given two jobs that he wouldn't have been anywhere near if he wasn't Frank Lampard.

He's also – and he pretty much admits it – is very much a London lad, living just around the corner from Stamford Bridge. I know he spent a year at Man City, and managed at Derby County for a while, but I think L4 is going to be something of a culture shock for him.

The last line of the interview is ironic – he quotes Sir Alex saying that a manager should be looking at the owner, not the club, when deciding whether to take a job. I'm not convinced he's following that advice if he's joining us!

I believe Alan. So can we all stop panicking, refreshing Newsnow, and posting ever more desperate pleas on here. Please.

ps: I read it on NewsNow!!

It looks like he won’t be joining on Lampard’s staff after all. Not sure if that’s because of Paul Clements’s role.

Or Duncan’s ?

But Clement and Joe Edwards are good coaches. Time for Duncan to go and test himself as a manager somewhere.

Some rumours about a loan with Gueye tonight!! Seems very unlikely as he has 6th most minutes for PSG this season, not sure why he would leave?

I fucking HATE! Supporting this club but at the age of 60 I've no say in the matter.