Everton have confirmed the appointment of Sean Dyche as their seventh permanent manager in eight years.
The former Burnley boss has been out of work since leaving Turf Moor in April but will now return to the Premier League as the Toffees bid to beat the drop, signing a two-and-a-half-year contract until June 2025.
Marcelo Bielsa was another candidate in the running to replace Frank Lampard, although the former Leeds manager is thought to have expressed reservations and even reportedly offered to manage the Under-21 side first.
Dyche spent a total of 10 years at Burnley, winning two promotions from the Championship and even taking the Clarets into the Europa League despite working on one of the smallest budgets in the Premier League.
He will take charge of Everton for the first time when they host Premier League leaders Arsenal at Goodison Park on Saturday.
“It’s an honour to become Everton manager. My staff and I are ready and eager to help get this great club back on track,” Dyche said.
“I know about Everton’s passionate fanbase and how precious this club is to them. We’re ready to work and ready to give them what they want. That starts with sweat on the shirt, effort and getting back to some of the basic principles of what Everton Football Club has stood for for a long time. We want to bring back a good feeling.”
Lampard was sacked earlier this month after a difficult season so far on Merseyside, taking only 15 points from 20 games in the top-flight to leave Everton 19th and two points adrift of safety.
Supporters have frequently protested against owner Farhad Moshiri, who has admitted a failing behind the scenes has contributed to a wildly unsuccessful transfer policy in recent years.
