Everton manager Frank Lampard still has the ‘full backing’ of the board despite a slow start to the season, journalist Simon Phillips has informed GiveMeSport.

The Toffees pulled off a shock result over the weekend by holding reigning Premier League champions Manchester City to a draw, but they are still involved in a relegation battle.

Everton news – Frank Lampard

Everton are currently lingering just one point and two places above the bottom three after winning only three of their opening 17 top-flight fixtures of 2022/23.

And a last-minute 2-1 defeat at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers in their first game back following the mid-season pause for the World Cup appeared to pile the pressure on Lampard’s shoulders.

However, the 44-year-old tactician guided his side to a 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium, ending a run of four straight defeats in all competitions.

"It's a big one for us because it comes off a sucker punch against Wolves,” Lampard said. “To come to the champions and get something back in a tough game is a big deal for us, albeit a point, but it's a big deal for the dressing room.”

What has Phillips said about Lampard?

When asked if Lampard’s position at the Everton helm was under threat, Phillips told GMS that the Merseyside outfit’s hierarchy and plans were still behind the tactician.

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He said: “I haven't heard of any votes of confidence yet for Lampard, but he's always had the full backing of the Everton board, and he still has that at the moment.

“You mentioned the fans’ discontent, and that's obviously going to happen when they're not getting results, but the fans have largely been behind Lampard. The players have been behind Lampard, and they still are as far as I'm aware.”

Who do Everton have next?

Everton are set to host Brighton & Hove Albion next time out as they look to get their 2023 off to a good start at Goodison Park.

Lampard’s charges then face Manchester United in the third round of the FA Cup before taking on relegation rivals West Ham United and Southampton in their subsequent two encounters.

Those games against the Hammers and the Saints could define Lampard’s Everton tenure given their close proximity in the league standings.

Everton will be desperate to move away from the drop zone as quickly as possible, and some positive results throughout January could see them do exactly that.