Everton manager Frank Lampard has been sacked after barely a year.
Lampard replaced Rafael Benitez last January and helped the club win its battle against relegation, memorably in a 3-2 win over Crystal Palace.
But the 44-year-old’s return of 11 defeats in his last 14 games, culminating in Saturday’s reversal at West Ham, forced the Goodison Park hierarchy’s hand.
Lampard held crunch talks with major shareholder Farhad Moshiri, chairman Bill Kenwright and director of football Kevin Thelwell following the 2-0 loss.
The Blues confirmed the former England midfielder as the seventh permanent managerial departure since Moshiri’s premiership began, in 2016, on Monday.
His backroom staff, assistant Joe Edwards and first-team coaches Ashley Cole, Paul Clement and Chris Jones have also severed their ties with Merseyside.
“Everyone at Everton would like to thank Frank and his coaching staff for their service during what has been a challenging 12 months,” read a club statement.
“Frank and his team’s commitment and dedication have been exemplary throughout their time at the club, but recent results and the current league position meant this difficult decision had to be taken.
“We wish Frank and all his backroom team well for their future in the game.
“The club has started the process to secure a new manager and will provide updates on the appointment in due course.”
Leighton Baines and Paul Tait, under-18 and under-21 coaches respectively, will take charge of first-team training until Lampard’s successor is installed.
Moshiri insisted directly after the result against the Hammers that he carried no direct influence on Lampard’s fate, insisting that it was ‘not his decision’.
It is understood that Thelwell will be tasked with the search for Lampard’s replacement, as the most senior football executive in the Everton hierarchy.
Marcelo Bielsa has emerged as a preferred candidate, having been out of work since leaving Leeds around the same time as Lampard’s appointment.
The well-travelled Argentine coach, 67, is one of several potential names in the frame with ex-Burnley boss Sean Dyche also readily available for the post.