Former Everton and Chelsea winger Pat Nevin insists Frank Lampard's time as Blues manager has been wrongly portrayed.
Lampard lasted 18 months at Stamford Bridge before being sacked, but not before guiding Chelsea to Champions League qualification despite a transfer ban being imposed.
Now with Everton, Lampard is rebuilding his reputation after saving the club from relegation last season. However for Nevin, the Toffees manager's time with Chelsea was never as bad as some have claimed.
Speaking to Tribalfootball.com, on behalf of FreeSuperTips, Nevin explained: "I disagree with people about Frank Lampard's time at Chelsea, Chelsea just have incredibly high standards.
"A lot of people would have looked at his record, but he was bringing in a lot of young players into the team.
"He was redeveloping the side, when you get into a manager's position some just want to win games because all some people look at are the stats.
"They completely forget that he was redeveloping the club for the next four or five years and I believe Lampard was on a journey to do that.
"It was harsh at the time for it to happen, but eventually Thomas Tuchel comes in and wins the Champions League, so there's no argument.
"So, it was harsh on him, but football is harsh."
Nevin says Lampard's work at Goodison Park cannot be underestimated.
He continued: "Writing him off was unfair and the difficulties at Everton weren't down to him, anyone with any football knowledge knows it was a tough gig to take.
"I love the club, but everyone knew how hard it was going to be last season, but he, the players and the fans saved them in the end.
"When I watched the first game of this season, they were awful, and you thought what are you going to do Frank.
"I've been impressed since though. Frank Lampard is naturally an attacking manager but he recognised the team needed building from the back.
"He's steadied it quickly, showing that he's a sensible manager.
"He started with a back three and when he steadied the defence, he switched to a back four and wanted to attack more by getting an extra body in midfield.
"It's brave, but that's Frank Lampard and it is Everton Football Club, they expect that sort of positivity.
"I'm impressed with what he's done, but it's still going to be a slog, I just feel there's not enough quality up front to fly up that division.
"I reckon they'll be ok, and we'll see gradual improvements over the season."
