Frank Lampard says he needs results, not time as Everton coach

There was talk of ambition and plenty of respectful nods to a proud club’s past. But, as Frank Lampard faced the cameras for the first time in his new job, one thing above all leapt from his words: realism.

Tradition invites supporters to get excited at the appointment of a new manager and those who follow Everton certainly hope Lampard’s arrival is a trigger for a more settled period, given the number of comings and goings over the last six years. He must be given the opportunity to succeed.

When that point was made to the 43-year-old, though, his brow furrowed. Lampard is the greatest player in Chelsea’s history but club legend status did not stop Roman Abramovich sacking him when their top-four hopes were in jeopardy.

So although Everton owner Farhad Moshiri believes Lampard will lead them into their new home at Bramley Moore Dock, the man himself was rather more circumspect. There is no point looking too far into the future when you have a point to prove.

‘I don’t sit here craving time, in terms of a two or three-year vision,’ said Lampard. ‘I know it is very nice to talk about the stadium and where we want to be in the next few years but what I’ve learned — and certainly being at Chelsea — is that you just need to get your head down and work.

‘If you can do good things, you can move in the right direction and you keep working. I certainly haven’t asked for any assurances.

‘I’ll be good if the style and the way of playing can be enjoyed by the fans. But, particularly, I will be as good as the results we can produce in the short term and, hopefully, the long term. I’m in a great job and very proud to be here. Now is the time to work and do the best job I can.’

The last 12 months have been enjoyable but the longer he