Everton appoint ex-Chelsea manager Frank Lampard to replace Rafael Benitez

Everton on Monday announced the appointment of former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard as their new manager to succeed Rafa Benitez, with the former England midfielder signing a two-and-a-half-year contract until June 2024.

“I’m very hungry to get started. After speaking to the owner, chairman and the board, I very much felt their passion and ambition. I hope they felt my ambition and how hard I want to work to bring it together,” Lampard said in a statement.

Lampard takes over a club four points above the Premier League relegation zone, and faces the distinct possibility of finding themselves competing outside the top tier of English football for the first time in almost 70 years next season.

The problems at the club go beyond the dressing room. Marcel Brands left his position as director of football in December after making a string of signings that failed to deliver, and a successor has yet to be found.

Benitez was still able to make some signings before he was sacked in mid-January, with several names mentioned as last-minute potential arrivals before the January transfer window closes on Monday night, adding to the feeling of chaos at the club.