Everton are on the verge of appointing Frank Lampard as their new manager – and Chelsea duo Joe Edwards and Anthony Barry are set to follow.
That’s according to the Daily Mail, who claim that Lampard should be announced as Everton’s new boss inside the next 24 hours.
Lampard is so close to landing the job that he has already started recruiting members of staff for his team at Goodison Park.
It’s stated that Chelsea duo Edwards and Barry are now expected to join Lampard at Everton, even if Chelsea haven’t had approaches just yet.
Jody Morris won’t be joining Lampard though, despite working together at both Derby County and Chelsea.
Lampard allegedly feels he was so close with Morris that he went against his own instincts to factor in what Morris thought, something Lampard seemingly regrets.
This would be a huge move for Edwards, who is a former Chelsea schoolboy in his playing days.
Edwards has been part of Chelsea’s coaching setup since 2004, starting out in the academy before becoming Chelsea Under-18 manager and then Chelsea Under-23 boss.
In 2019, Edwards stepped up to the first team setup, becoming an assistant coach. Still only 35, Edwards is now set to reunite with Lampard.
A lifelong Chelsea boy, heading to Everton represents a massive step for Edwards and a sign of Lampard’s pulling power.
Barry, also 35, hails from Liverpool and actually began his career in the Everton youth ranks but didn’t make the grade at Goodison Park.
Barry did at least carve out a decent career for himself, turnout out for Accrington Stanley, Yeovil Town, Chester City, Wrexham, Fleetwood Town and Forest Green Rovers.
After coaching alongside Paul Cook at Wigan Athletic, Barry was snapped up by Chelsea in 2020.
The Athletic claimed in December that Barry has rejected chances to manage Fleetwood, Aberdeen, Cardiff City and Tranmere Rovers in recent times.
A return to Everton seems to have done the trick though, and Barry looks set to form part of Lampard’s coaching staff.
Barry’s knowledge of the area, the fans and the club should be invaluable to Lampard, and will be a key factor in the move.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
