Lampard to stick with Toffees even if they go down
FRANK LAMPARD has made clear his intention to lead Everton’s fightback in the future — no matter what division they are in. With the threat of relegation real, it has led to questions as to whether Lampard will remain at the helm if the worst comes to the worst. The 43-year-old is convinced Everton will get out of their current predicament and start afresh in the summer. But he is also a realist and accepts there will be scrutiny if Everton fall into the Championship. Ahead of a must-win clash against Chelsea, Lampard said: ‘I have loved every minute of being at this club. People from the outside ask me, because of the position we are in, “Are you enjoying it?” ‘I absolutely love it. I’ve been welcomed incredibly well by the fans and I will do everything to get this club back to where I want it to be. I will give this job absolutely everything for as long as Everton want me here and I can get them to where I think we can get to.’ Lampard, who has yet to hear from the FA about whether he will be charged for comments he made after last week’s Merseyside derby, used his press conference to again raise his frustrations about decisions Everton didn’t get at Anfield. The main complaint revolved around Anthony Gordon not getting a penalty after tumbling under pressure from Joel Matip. Gordon had earlier been booked for simulation, leading to criticisms that he goes to ground too easily. ‘I think it’s unfair to put that on Anthony,’ said Lampard. ‘He’s a dedicated boy who just wants to play well for this club.’