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Boss Outlines Everton's Crucial 'Next Step'

Frank Lampard has challenged his Everton squad to take a vital “next step” by backing up Thursday’s priceless victory over Newcastle United with an FA Cup success at Crystal Palace.

The Blues boss also expanded on Chairman Bill Kenwright’s inspirational speech to the players the day prior to the Newcastle contest and revealed the key role skipper Seamus Coleman had in setting the tone for the Toffees’ spirited performance 

Lampard’s side showcased deep reserves of resilience and fight against the Magpies, digging in following midfielder Allan’s sending off before scoring a remarkable 99th-minute winner – Alex Iwobi slotting home to spark jubilant scenes at Goodison Park.

Lampard says Everton must now strive to use the positive energy generated by such a stirring win as a springboard for the remainder of the campaign.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference at Finch Farm, Lampard said: “When you have a night like we had on Thursday, it’s important you take the benefits from it, which is an understanding of what winning feels like. 

“Here this season, we haven’t won enough games. There has been a losing feeling too much. 

“The winning feeling and the togetherness and effort that goes into that is an important thing to move forward with. 

“I don’t want to lean on that too much, though, because since I’ve been here, we’ve had some good wins and good performances that we haven’t backed up. 

“We’ve got three points but that doesn’t mean we’re fine. We’re not. Hopefully the Newcastle win can be a change for us, but we have to make it work. One night like that is nothing on its own.

“Now the challenge is to back it up. To find that consistency in performance is the next step for us.”


On the effect Mr Kenwright and skipper Coleman had in the lead up to the Newcastle game, Lampard added: “The Chairman has been amazing with me since I’ve been here. 

“He is very personable and very warm. The thing that jumps out straight away is how much he genuinely loves this football club. 

“He explained that to the players – from his younger years to now, through the good and not-so-good times. He put that across to the squad in a very warm way, and I think that was part of the teamwork that got us the win. 

“It’s important, as a club, you’re joined up and it doesn’t always happen [at other clubs] – in roles like the chairman, for example, people can be very corporate. That’s not the case here and that’s why this place has a real heart and soul.

“Seamus was also really influential as captain. 

“Talking doesn’t win you football matches, but the reaction to the build-up in the week was a big one.

"You could see what the win meant to the players, to the staff who were sat on the bench. The lads have been laughing at some of the videos of the reactions – but they were real reactions from people who care.

"That’s what this game is for. It was a special evening and we have to try to recreate those moments."


Everton are now poised for another intense battle against an in-form side, with Palace unbeaten in their past five matches.

Lampard expressed his admiration for the south London side’s development over the past 12 months – but insists Everton are intent on booking a semi-final spot at Wembley and writing another chapter in the Club’s illustrious FA Cup history.

“It’s a real big challenge for us,” he said. 

“I’ve watched Palace a lot. They’re a hugely talented squad and I thought they recruited brilliantly in the summer. 

“They’re well coached and have a lot of threats in their team

“We’re aware of the task ahead of us, but it’s an opportunity for us to get to Wembley. 

“I’m a believer in momentum. This club has a really rich history in this competition, and I know that means a lot to the fans. It’s very important and we must approach the game in that way.”

Frank Lampard
I’m a big believer in momentum. This club has a really rich history in this competition, and I know that means a lot to the fans.


Lampard insists the foundation of “spirit and togetherness” will be central to Everton achieving their dual ambitions of progressing in the Cup and climbing the Premier League table.

He says his players must continue to embody the passion shown by the Blues’ loyal and vocal fanbase.

“It’s going to be a huge thing for us for the rest of the season,” he said.

“The supporters were hugely behind us once again [against Newcastle], but they need to see things that they relate to. 

“Is that an Anthony Gordon tackle in the first half? Most certainly. That’s what this club is about. 

“It’s built on passion and desire and you felt that in the stadium when he made that tackle. 

“It can be built on chasing someone down or playing good balls from back to front to get us up the pitch. 

“We’ve approached the games well at Goodison and the fans and the players together have been very positive. I’ve loved that side of it.”