Frank Lampard shares story from Everton interview with Bill Kenwright

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Former Everton manager Frank Lampard has revealed one of the interview questions chairman Bill Kenwright asked him.

Frank Lampard was appointed as Everton boss in January 2022, having previously had stints in charge of Derby County and Chelsea. The former England midfielder got off to a decent start at Goodison Park, and was able to steer the Toffees clear of relegation from the Premier League.

However, form dipped drastically last season, and Everton opted to relieve Lampard of his duties in January 2023. Sean Dyche was then appointed in his place.

Lampard has now reflected upon his time at the helm at Goodison Park. Specifically, he as discussed the interview process that led to him being given the job in the first place.

Chairman Bill Kenwright was responsible for appointing Lampard, and was involved in the interview process. Lampard has now disclosed an anecdote from the process.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, Lampard said, “from being in a London club…going to a city like Liverpool, In football terms, it’s a long way. There is a different culture, even in social terms there’s a big difference as well. It was one of my fears going in.”

“I remember having a meeting with Bill Kenwright at the time and one of his questions was ‘Do you think a cockney can manage Everton Football Club?’ I was like ‘Well what do you think? You’ve got to make this decision!”

Dyche attempting to defy the odds at Everton

Lampard’s failure to reinvigorate Everton was not down to him being a Londoner. He simply wasn’t up to the job. Everton is a tough place for managers to find success, or at least it has been in recent years when the club has been stuck in something of a downwards spiral on the pitch, and dealing with financial issues off it.

Kenwright has been Everton chairman since 2004. The theatre impresario has been on the board at the club since 1989, and has taken his fair share of criticism in the intervening years. He has also seen plenty of managers come and go.

Dyche could be the next manager to be ousted if Everton’s form doesn’t improve quickly. They are yet to win a game at Goodison Park in the Premier League this season, and are struggling for consistency at both ends of the pitch.