Everton have confirmed the departure of Frank Lampard as manager.
The 44-year-old has been sacked after less than a year in charge at Goodison Park, with the club embroiled in a relegation battle for a second successive season.
News of Lampard’s fate was widely reported from mid-afternoon on Monday but was not officially announced by the club until after 8pm.
Everton statement on Frank Lampard
A statement read: ‘Everton Football Club can confirm that Frank Lampard has left his post as senior men’s first-team manager today.
‘Everyone at Everton would like to thank Frank and his coaching staff for their service during what has been a challenging 12 months.’
Lampard leaves Goodison Park with the club 19th in the Premier League after a run of nine defeats in 12 games. He won just nine and lost 21 of his 38 Premier League matches and his sacking comes eight days before the first anniversary of his appointment.
The statement added: “Frank and his team’s commitment and dedication have been exemplary throughout their time at the club, but recent results and the current league position meant this difficult decision had to be taken. We wish Frank and all his backroom team well for their future in the game.
‘The club has started the process to secure a new manager and will provide updates on the appointment in due course.’
Backroom staff members Joe Edwards, Paul Clement, Ashley Cole and Chris Jones have also left, but Alan Kelly will remain as goalkeeping coach.
Paul Tait and Leighton Baines will oversee training until a new manager is appointed.
Frank Lampard era at Everton is over
Everton brought in former Chelsea and Derby boss Lampard as successor to Rafael Benitez, who had lasted just 200 days in the post. His departure means the Toffees are now looking for their eighth permanent manager since owner Farhad Moshiri took over the club in February 2016.
Moshiri offered public backing to Lampard as recently as January 13, but hugely damaging defeats by fellow strugglers Southampton and West Ham have forced a change.
Everton have scored just 15 goals in 20 Premier League games this term and have only managed to find the net more than once in a game twice.
With a first relegation since 1951 looming large, Lampard’s exit adds to the current turmoil surrounding the club.
There has been widespread fan unrest and numerous demonstrations against the club board in recent weeks. Board members did not attend the recent game against Southampton due to security concerns.
The club’s delay in confirming Lampard’s removal, when it had already been widely reported for several hours, is only likely to have added to supporter frustration in light of complaints about poor communication.
