Ex-Bristol Rovers striker to take charge at Everton - filling in for sacked Frank Lampard

A former Bristol Rovers striker is tasked with the big job at Everton
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Everton are on the search for a new manager after parting company with Chelsea legend Frank Lampard after a bad run of form.

The Toffees are joint-bottom of the Premier League and are only ahead of Southampton because of goal difference. Everton suffered a 2-0 defeat to West Ham United last Saturday in what turned out to be Lampard’s last game in charge. He leaves Goodison Park after just less than a year in charge, with nine defeats in 12 matches contributing to his sacking.

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The Merseyside-club must now choose someone that is capable of keeping the club up with the club facing the threat of relegation for a second consecutive season. Everton have had five permanent managers in five years and whoever will replace Lampard will become the sixth, hoping for a longer time at the club.

Former Bristol City defender Sean Dyche has emerged as a contender for the role but it is former Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa that is the favourite. The Daily Mail says that Lampard was sacked in a phone call and now they are hoping that Bielsa can revitalise Everton.

As Everton assess their options to who should lead the club forward, in the meantime, a former Bristol Rovers goal-getter has reportedly been trusted with the reins. The Liverpool Echo report that Paul Tait, along with Blues legend Leighton Baines will oversee training sessions, with 12-days until their next match.

Tait started his career at Everton but failed to make an appearance, finding joy in the non-league with Northwich Victoria and Crewe Alexandra, scoring 98 goals in 259 matches for both clubs. A move down south to the Memorial Stadium followed in 2004 however where he was a success.

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He was signed by manager Ray Graydon and regularly featured for the Gas in the two seasons he spent in the West Country as a player. Tait scored seven goals in 41 matches in the 2002/03 season, and then followed it up with 12 efforts in 33 matches the following campaign. He was released at the end of his contract by Ian Atkins and later joined Rochdale, before finishing his playing career with Barrow in 2009.

Since retiring, he has turned to coaching and has been a youth coach at Everton for the last 12 years. He was Under-18’s manager and during his time at the club he has seen the likes of Antony Gordon and Ross Barkley graduate into the first-team. Tait became Under-21’s manager in June of last year with Baines appointed in his place.

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