Kevin Campbell and Phil Jagielka have high hopes for Frank Lampard at Everton
Frank Lampard’s appointment as the new Everton manager has been given the seal of approval by two former Toffees captains.
Kevin Campbell and Phil Jagielka both spoke to Sky Sports to give their thoughts on the former Chelsea boss who took his first training session at Finch Farm on Monday.
They talked up the qualities of the new man, and focused on the fans’ both in terms of how the decision was reached and the future.
Speaking to Sky Sports, in a clip shown on Tuesday (February 1, 02.40pm) former striker Campbell said: “I thought this might not be for Frank but he impressed everybody, impressed the owner, impressed Bill Kenwright.
“I think a lot of the Evertonians voted with their voices, and they wanted Frank Lampard in.
“[He] managed Chelsea, done very well in very difficult circumstances, and he’s got an exciting vision”.
Ex-Goodison defender Jagielka added: “I’m hoping we have this conversation in one, two, three seasons’ time and we’re still talking about Frank Lampard being the manager of Everton.
“That’s one thing that the fans want, the manager wants, the owners want is a little bit of continuity.
“And obviously that will mean that Everton are being successful”.
Winning over the right people
Early signs are positive for the former Derby manager as he is leaving a good impression on everyone he needs to around the club.
The fans got firmly behind the ex-England midfielder when the race for the job came down to him or Vitor Pereira, who was unpopular due to perceived links to the owner and agent Kia Joorabchian.
He has since managed to convince fan favourite Duncan Ferguson to join his backroom staff, at a time when it was speculated the big Scotsman may wish to leave after taking caretaker charge twice and being overlooked for the permanent job.
The midfield legend also played a key role in bringing two current Premier League operators in the centre of the park to the club, and he clearly has the support of two notable former leaders on Merseyside.
The first steps have all been in the right direction, but it will all mean very little if the club does not start securing some points.
Making changes on the pitch will be Lampard’s next, and biggest challenge.
In other Everton news, this Goodison misfit is reportedly demanding to leave the club along with £800,000 in compensation.