Frank Lampard has responded to claims Ellis Simms’ recall is a signal that Everton are operating under financial constraints in the transfer window. The ECHO reported on Friday that work is ongoing behind-the-scenes, with Manchester United winger Anthony Elanga among what is said to be a detailed list of targets. However, no new faces have yet arrived at the club. But speaking after his side’s 4-1 defeat to the Seagulls at Goodison Park, Lampard refused to accept that the move to bring Simms back was down to financial constraints at the club, and also reaffirmed his desire to bring in new faces this month.
Frank Lampard said: “We brought back Ellis because he is our player and he is another attacking option for us. I don’t know what it is an indication of, we brought on Isaac [Price] as a young player, and I thought Isaac came with good enthusiasm and effort. He is a developing player, is Ellis. Do you want to help the squad in January? Yep, for sure. Do we want players who can impact now? Yep, for sure. That is where we are at and I understand your point.”
Everton are mired in another relegation battle for the second successive season and the mood turned toxic at Goodison on Tuesday night. Chants of ‘Sack the board’ echoed around the stadium after Brighton’s third and fourth goals and the final whistle.
Frank Lampard said: “We’re all in it together, it’s not a question of anger. We’re all disappointed, we all want to win games. That’s for us to get right. Manchester United comes in a few days. It’s about, ‘What can I do better?’ and as long as you do that and don’t look left or right at anyone else, that’s the only reaction you can have. I have seen enough on Saturday in terms of part of the performance and certain performances. What isn’t good enough is the consistency of the team to get results. The first half I didn’t hate but obviously the six minutes (in which they conceded three second-half goals) is not good enough from us and if you are going to perform like that and defensively then you are going to lose games. We have to fight for consistency, for sure.”
