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Owner Moshiri: 'Everton Will Unite Behind Lampard'

Everton majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri says it is imperative every element of “this great club” unites behind new manager Frank Lampard.

Mr Moshiri was thrilled to capture “winner” Lampard on Monday and he expects the 43-year-old’s “character” and startling body of achievement to generate a quick about-turn in confidence and mood in the Goodison Park dressing room.

But of utmost importance, insists Mr Moshiri, is the unequivocal backing of supporters, as Everton aim for a speedy advance up the Premier League standings.

“Frank is an impressive young man on and off the pitch. You can quickly relate to him and there is a positivity and confidence that comes through,” Mr Moshiri told evertontv.

“The more you see of him, the more you like him. He is a very likeable man and I’m really pleased we’ve secured his services.

“He is from a footballing family, it is in his blood, he is a winner and played at the highest level of the English game.

“He will give the team an immediate boost. A dressing room will always rise to someone of his character and achievement.

“I will provide the system to support him. The process is vital to ensure all components of Everton fully support the manager. Fans are the most important part of that.

“You can buy any player; you can’t buy the 12th man.

“The biggest thing for us - for me, for Bill [Kenwright, Chairman], for all parts of this great and beautiful club, is to get behind this manager.

“Let’s unite behind the team, give the team the 12th man and start moving up the table.

“Our future is bright. We just need to be united. Maybe together, me and the fans should be more patient - I am also impatient.

“We have to get behind the manager and give him that Goodison feeling, and I think success will come with that. Throughout the team there are strengths, so if we get the confidence back and the Goodison crowd gives them the 12th man, that is the most important signing we can get in this window.”

Lampard is poised for his first game in charge when Brentford visit Goodison for an FA Cup fourth-round tie on Saturday.

The Premier League campaign resumes with a game at Newcastle United on Tuesday 8 February, with Leeds United in L4 four days later.

Lampard’s appointment comes after a thorough recruitment process carried out over the last fortnight.

“We ensured a lot of expertise went into it,” added Mr Moshiri.

“We had Graeme Sharp, with his vast football experience, and our Board. Tim Cahill was (also) advising me personally and attending all the interviews. He did very diligent, serious work.

“Our Chairman is very important. We are keeping the Chairman as long as we can. He manfully fulfils his functions and I really appreciate what the Chairman does.”