LONDON: Relegation-threatened Everton have sacked manager Frank Lampard after less than a year in charge at the Goodison Park club, British media reported on Monday.
The former Chelsea boss was appointed to replace Rafael Benitez in January 2022 but leaves with the side 19th in the table, level on points with bottom club Southampton.
In a sign of the turmoil enveloping Everton, club directors were earlier this month ordered to stay away from Goodison Park due to perceived security risks.
Everton fell to a damaging 2-0 defeat at fellow-strugglers West Ham on Saturday -- a ninth loss in their past 12 Premier League matches.
Club owner Farhad Moshiri, who was at the game in London, was asked after the game whether it was time for Lampard to be sacked.
"I can't comment. It's not my decision," he told Sky Sports.
Speaking about his own future, Lampard said: "Those things are not my choice. It is my job to work, focus and keep my head down.
"I know there's things going on at the club but it's never been a consequence for me whether a chairman or board member is at the game."
The Merseyside team had been struggling under the former England international, having last won a league game in October when they beat Crystal Palace 3-0 at home.
Lampard was appointed by Everton in January 2022 after he managed Chelsea from 2019-2021 and Derby County in the second tier in 2018-19.
The 44-year-old was sacked as Chelsea manager in January 2021, having returned to the west London club where he holds the goalscoring record.
He took over at Everton after the Merseyside club parted ways with Rafa Benitez, continuing the managerial revolving door at a club struggling to revive former glories.
Everton next host leaders Arsenal on February 4 followed by the Merseyside derby at Liverpool on February 13. -- Reuters
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