Everton have sacked manager Frank Lampard after less than a year in charge at Goodison Park.

Defeat  at fellow strugglers West Ham United on Saturday was Everton’s ninth loss in 12 Premier League games.

Former England midfielder Lampard, 44, replaced Rafael Benitez in January 2022 with the team 16th in the table and helped Everton avoid relegation.

Everton are now looking for their sixth permanent manager in five years.

The club thanked Lampard and his coaching staff “for their service during what has been a challenging 12 months”.

“Frank and his team’s commitment and dedication have been exemplary throughout their time at the club, but recent results and the current league position meant this difficult decision had to be taken,” added a club statement.

Coaches Joe Edwards, Paul Clement, Ashley Cole and Chris Jones have also left Everton, but Alan Kelly stays on as goalkeeping coach.

Everton said they had “started the process to secure a new manager”.

Former Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa is on the list of candidates under discussion as a potential successor to Lampard.