OFFICIAL: Frank Lampard is the new Everton manager

Everton have confirmed Frank Lampard as their new manager, with the former Chelsea boss signing a two-and-a-half-year contract to take charge at Goodison Park.

The ex-England midfielder, who was relieved of his duties in charge of the Blues after a season-and-a-half in January 2021, arrives on Merseyside to succeed Rafael Benitez with the club mired in a relegation battle.

Lampard emerged as the preferred candidate at the Toffees ahead of interim boss Duncan Ferguson and former Porto coach Vítor Pereira, and now faces the challenge of ensuring the club’s unbroken 68-year stay in the top flight does not come to an end.

In what will be his third managerial role in four years, the 43-year-old will be tasked with ensuring he can pull the Toffees clear of the bottom three.

Having watched successor Thomas Tuchel turn around his former side from mid-table strugglers to Champions League winners, Lampard will hope he can deliver a similar revival in fortunes after the hostile Benitez era.

Everton are currently four points above the relegation zone and have a game in hand over 18th-placed Newcastle.