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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Matt C Jones

Everton new manager hunt leading to Frank Lampard after chaotic Farhad Moshiri search

Evertonians have grown accustomed to chaotic managerial searches under the stewardship of Farhad Moshiri.

It's been almost six years since the billionaire bought a stake in the Toffees and, after the sacking of Rafael Benitez, he's now looking for his sixth permanent manager in that timeframe.

More than one week on from that seemingly inevitable decision being made, there are plenty of eventful moments to reflect back on, bookended by Vitor Pereira's remarkable plea for the position live on Sky Sports News on Wednesday evening.

Toffees might look back at the last six years and wonder, 'how on earth did we get here?'

For now, here's a recap of the major moments since Benitez was given the boot and how Everton have got here .

January 16 - Benitez sacked after Norwich loss

Although Moshiri sacked Marcel Brands and sold Lucas Digne to fall in line with Benitez, just over a month on from emphatically backing the former Liverpool manager a decision was made to cut ties.

The 2-1 defeat at Carrow Road against Norwich City was a nadir in a season of low points for Everton, as they conceded two goals in the first 18 minutes against a side that had lost their last six without scoring.

Read the story HERE.

January 16 - Martinez targeted

Later that night, there was a much more surprising development.

The Toffees made former boss Roberto Martinez their main early target to replace Benitez - despite the fact he was the first coach sacked by Moshiri in 2016.

Supporters were left shocked by the links, as the former Wigan Athletic boss had previously been the subject of fan protests before his departure six years earlier.However, the complications of Martinez's current role - he's in charge of the Belgium national team - and the World Cup in Qatar later this year meant striking an agreement was always going to be tough, even given his apparent desire to return to Goodison Park.

Read the story HERE.

January 18 - Rooney and Lampard emerge as options

In addition to Martinez, the other early names in the frame were former Everton forward Wayne Rooney and ex-Chelsea player and manager Frank Lampard.

The duo were both said to be on the club's shortlist of options to take the job on, as negotiations over bringing Martinez back for a second spell proved problematic.

Read the story HERE.

Reports, which emerged after this article was published, now suggest Lampard is the favourite.

January 18 - Ferguson in temporary charge

With the Aston Villa game looming large, Everton made the decision to put Duncan Ferguson in temporary charge of the first team.

Goodison great Leighton Baines and goalkeeping coach Alan Kelly were noted as part of the Scot's coaching staff.

Read the story HERE.

January 20 - Cannavaro considered

Just as talk of Martinez seemingly started to simmer down, another unorthodox figure was reported to be under consideration - Fabio Cannavaro.

However, the club is said to have only held 'preliminary discussions' with the Italian defensive icon, who was most recently in charge of Guangzhou.

Read the story HERE.

January 21 - Moshiri issues statement

After criticism over a lack of communication from the top of the club, Moshiri issued a welcome statement to supporters on the club's official website.

In it, he addressed the poor form of the team and the frustration being felt by the fanbase.

Moshiri also confirmed the conversion of a £100million loan into equity to help improve the club's financial situation.

Read the story HERE.

January 22 - Protests after Villa loss

Ferguson's first game back in charge of the Toffees was not reminiscent of his first spell, as the team slumped to a limp 1-0 loss against Aston Villa.

A win for Norwich the day before and one for Newcastle United later that afternoon intensified fears around a relegation battle and a section of supporters let the club know how they felt as they staged a sit-in protest after the game.

Read the story HERE.

January 23 - Pereira links resurface

After getting linked with the managerial position at Everton practically every time the role became available under Moshiri, it wasn't a big shock to see Pereira's name in the press again.

However, on this occasion there appeared to be more clout to the reports, with the Daily Mail referencing Pereira as the 'front-runner' and some reports from Portugal indicating a deal had been done.

However, a day late the ECHO reported that while Pereira was an option, claims of a total agreement were wide of the mark.

Read the story HERE.

January 24 - Moshiri sends final message to TalkSport

Having used TalkSport host Jim White frequently to issue statements, Moshiri seemingly called time on the dynamic - albeit on a talkSPORT broadcast.

The Everton majority shareholder confirmed the club were 'working like crazy' to get the next managerial appointment right and that in the future he was looking to speak to fans in a more direct way.

January 26 - Pereira calls Sky Sports

After more reports suggesting Pereira was set to take the job on Tuesday and subsequent follow-ups indicating he may be wary of the supporter opposition, the man himself decided to call Sky Sports News to explain.

As you do.

Evertonians watched on with toe-curling awkwardness as the former Porto boss effectively engaged in a live interview, putting forward his beliefs about footballing philosophies and his dismay at the angst surrounding his possible appointment.

Read the story HERE.

January 26 - Fans gather at Goodison to protest

After banners were displayed at the Liver Buildings a day earlier, hundreds of fans gathered outside Goodison Park on Wednesday to protest at the running of the club.

The banners in attendance made reference to Moshiri, Bill Kenwright and the board, as well as agent Kia Joorabchian, who was pictured in the directors' box in the home loss to Aston Villa.

Read the story HERE.

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