By Agency Report

Everton Football Club have appointed former Chelsea manager, Frank Lampard as new head coach on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

The 43-year-old replaces Rafael Benitez, who was sacked earlier this month after one win in 13 games.

It is Lampard’s first job since he was sacked by Chelsea a year ago with Thomas Tuchel taking his role.

“It is a huge honour for me to represent and manage a club with the size and tradition of Everton,” said Lampard.

“I’m very hungry to get started,” the Chelsea legend said.

Lampard’s first match in charge will be Saturday’s FA Cup fourth-round tie against Brentford at Goodison Park.

His first signing at Everton is expected to be Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek, who is set to join the Toffees on loan for the rest of the season.

Former Chelsea and Manchester City player Lampard, who won 106 caps for England, is tasked with keeping Everton in the top-flight as the club are 16th and just four points above the relegation zone.

Lampard said he felt the “passion and ambition” of owner Farhad Moshiri, chairman Bill Kenwright and the Everton board in talks over the role.

“I hope they felt my ambition and how hard I want to work to bring it together,” he added.

“You can feel the passion Everton fans have for their club – that will be hugely important.

“As a team – the competitive level that the Premier League brings and the position we are in the table – we certainly need that. It’s a two-way thing.

“Everton is a unique club in that you can really understand what the fans want to see. The first thing they want is fight and desire and that must always be our baseline.

“My first message to the players will be that we have to do this together. We’ll try to do our job and I know the fans will be there backing us.”

Lampard was one of three candidates interviewed for the managerial position with Vitor Pereira and interim boss Duncan Ferguson also up for the role.

Derby manager and former Everton and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney confirmed he was also asked about the job but he turned it down.

Ferguson, who was assistant manager under Benitez, and goalkeeper coach Alan Kelly will stay on as part of Lampard’s backroom staff.

Everton confirmed Lampad’s appointment on Twitter saying “Welcome to Everton Football Club, Frank Lampard!” (BBC)