Frank Lampard was ‘clear choice’ for Everton job – Denise Barrett-Baxendale
Everton chief executive Denise Barrett-Baxendale says Frank Lampard was the ‘clear choice’ to be appointed as the club’s new manager, writing in her programme notes.
Lampard was given a two-and-a-half year deal to replace Rafa Benitez after an astute process saw several candidates interviewed. The job seemed certain to go to Vitor Pereira, until a fan protest forced a rethink on the board.
But according to Barrett-Baxendale, Lampard was the ‘clear choice’ to be given the job after the process and believes that all Evertonians will get behind him now as they look to turn their season around.
“The appointment of Frank Lampard as our new manager was the culmination of an extensive recruitment process,” she said in her programme notes via Liverpool Echo.
“As a coach, he has demonstrated to us that his vision, ambition and footballing principles are clearly aligned with our own.
“He proved at both Derby County and Chelsea that, as a manager, he is willing to make difficult decisions, give youth an opportunity to shine and build dynamic and exciting teams.
“As a coach, he is modern, astute and forward-thinking – but with a philosophy built on the traditions of endeavour, camaraderie and bravery that complement Everton’s DNA.
“Frank fits everything we are looking for as we build for the future – and as we seek to immediately improve our form and results in the second half of our season.
“Having interviewed several candidates as part of a tiered and cohesive recruitment process, Frank was the clear choice to take the helm. We know Evertonians will give him their full backing.”
Backed
Whether Lampard was the unanimous choice of the board initially or not is unclear, but what is clear is that he has been backed to do the best job he can.
He was given two big signings on his first day before the deadline and has been handed a nice long deal in order to implement his plans and the spoken about philosophy on the team.
But as already mentioned, the most important thing for this team now is results.
Lampard being the clear choice is a good thing if it’s true, because it means that everyone should be pulling in the same direction going forward.
The Blues can look forward to the rest of the season but their joy will quickly turn sour if results don’t pick up immediately.
In other Everton news, ‘We made a deal’ – Chairman reveals Everton beat him to major deadline day move