NafisaFrank Lampard’s tenure as Everton manager wasn’t particularly memorable, but he does deserve recognition for one key decision during his time at Goodison Park.
Taking charge of the Toffees in January 2022, Lampard remained at the helm for a year before being replaced by Sean Dyche. His most notable achievement was keeping Everton in the Premier League during the 2022/23 campaign, though the club only secured survival with one game to spare, making it clear that his time in charge was running out.
Abdoulaye Doucoure recently revealed that he almost left Everton while Lampard was in charge, explaining that he had been forced to train away from the squad following a disagreement with the manager. It was far from a successful spell overall, but one move Lampard deserves credit for is his role in bringing James Tarkowski to the club.
Frank Lampard’s Influence on James Tarkowski’s Move to Everton
Everton secured Tarkowski on a free transfer in the summer of 2022 after his departure from Burnley. With Burnley dropping to the Championship, staying at Turf Moor was never an option for the defender.
Several clubs were interested in signing Tarkowski, but Everton won the race—largely thanks to Lampard’s efforts.
Upon joining the club, Tarkowski said: “Speaking to the manager, it was very important to see what he wants from his players and his team, what he saw in me and why he wanted to sign me.
“I think the manager recognised my strengths, saw how I could fit into his system and hopefully improve the team. He also saw my character and leadership skills – that what I can bring to a group will be good and positive.”
Everton’s director of football, Kevin Thelwell, echoed this, stating: “Frank was very keen to bring him to the club. We look forward to him being a highly-valued member of our squad next season and in the years to come.”
James Tarkowski’s Lasting Impact at Everton
Since arriving at Goodison Park, Tarkowski has proven to be an outstanding signing, and Lampard’s efforts in securing his signature should not be overlooked. With interest from other clubs, he could have easily gone elsewhere, but Lampard played a crucial role in ensuring he joined Everton.
The 32-year-old has been integral to Everton’s defensive stability, playing a key role in helping the team avoid relegation in recent seasons.
The 2024/25 campaign has been another impressive one for vice-captain Tarkowski, who recently etched his name into Everton’s history books. His appearance against Brentford in midweek marked his 103rd consecutive Premier League game for the club, surpassing Joleon Lescott’s previous record of 102.
This achievement is even more remarkable considering that Tarkowski has dealt with minor injury issues this season. Despite not always being in peak condition, he has remained ever-present on the pitch.
His consistency and durability have made him a vital asset for Everton. Regardless of who has been in charge, Tarkowski has been a dependable figure in the squad, proving to be one of the club’s most reliable players.
Nafisa
