The cavalry is arriving at Goodison Park – and just in the nick of time.
Everton’s extraordinary managerial search is over and Frank Lampard has begun the long trudge back from the abyss by recruiting Donny van de Beek on loan.
With the Toffees being dragged into the thick of a relegation fight, it is about time the adults took over.
A move for the Manchester United midfielder, coveted by Newcastle and Crystal Palace during a January window in which he feared he might not be released from his gilded cage at Old Trafford, feels like a statement of intent from Lampard.
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It is the sort of blast of positivity that Everton needed after a horrendous couple of weeks. Protests outside the ground after the defeat to Aston Villa last week reflected exasperation among Evertonians at the way the club has been allowed to veer off course so dramatically under the ownership of Farhad Moshiri.
When the league position was compounded by the uninspired decision to interview Vitor Pereira for the manager’s job, it felt like someone in authority at Everton needed to intervene.
It’s understood that Bill Kenwright’s counsel was that Lampard would be the only one to carry the supporters – and the decision was fast-tracked by Pereira’s surreal Sky Sports interview.
Everton would have benefited from waiting until the summer to make a change, when the range of managerial options and time might have offered them a chance to marry their football operations review with the ideal candidate – perhaps Brighton’s innovative Graham Potter.
But their league position and the thudding reality of a relegation six-pointer in eight days made Lampard, available, experienced and arriving with a good reputation, the only real choice for the role.
He will have funds and 24 hours to make a few additions and will leverage Chelsea connections and his reputation to try and turn deals into reality.
Van de Beek, it should be noted, was only sold on the move when he learned the former Chelsea manager would be appointed shortly.
In a move that combats accusations that he lacks experience, Lampard will be joined by Paul Clement on his backroom staff. A Director of Football will be appointed in the months to come and Lampard could get a say in that if results go his way in the next few months.
Off-the-field, Everton are looking to re-engage with the supporters and the recruitment of former Liverpool Echo sports editor Dave Prentice as the club’s Communications Manager follows Graeme Sharp’s appointment as Non-Executive Director.
Few care more deeply about the club than Prentice but this is not jobs for the boys.
He’ll offer a critical voice when required and as much as Everton need Moshiri to take control of the club, they also require him to get back on message.
If Lampard has his way, the narrative might finally be an optimistic one in the weeks to come.
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/6gLUwht4n
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