Sean Dyche to lead Everton's drop battle
Relegation-threatened Everton announced on Monday they had appointed former Burnley boss Sean Dyche as their new manager to replace the sacked Frank Lampard. Dyche has agreed a two-and-a-half-year contract and will take charge for the first time for the Premier League club's clash against leaders Arsenal at Goodison Park on Saturday. "I know about Everton's passionate fan base and how precious this club is to them," Dyche said in a club statement. "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. We need the fans, we need unity and we need everyone aligned. That starts with us as staff and players." Everton chairman Bill Kenwright said: "He quickly convinced me that he has exactly the right attributes to make himself a great Everton manager -- and a man who could inspire our fanbase." Lampard was sacked last week after a run of nine defeats in 12 Premier League matches. Everton are 19th in the Premier League after 20 matches – level on points with bottom club Southampton. (AFP)