Former Everton manager Frank Lampard expressed sympathy for his successor Sean Dyche.

The ex-Chelsea and Toffees coach admitted that he faced tough times when in charge at Goodison Park.

As Dyche attempts to keep Everton in the Premier League, Lampard knows all too well how difficult the task can become.

Speaking to media channel JOE, Lampard stated: “[After Everton stayed up] I then knew that there were more difficulties coming because FFP [Financial Fair Play] was there, we knew Richarlison would leave, we could bring in some players but our net spend was not far off zero and that generally means when you have struggled the year before you are going to be in and around there. We couldn't really move forward.

“I wanted to change the way we played, [James] Tarkowski came in on a free, Conor Coady came on loan, we brought in a couple of players but in that second season as we tried to progress Dominic [Calvert-Lewin] got injured just before the season, Neal Maupay came in and struggled to get in there so we were playing without an effective number nine.

“This is not me making a lot of excuses because you will lose your job if you don't get results and in that last period of time we couldn't get results, we tried everything and when I left the job, I got it.

“With Chelsea there were some things I felt I could have got over and we could have moved forward [when he left the post as manager there for the first time], with Everton I understand an owner is going to make a change. The problem for me is now I have quite a big feeling for Everton because I really enjoyed being there for the year.

“The similar problems and mistakes that were causing this are still kind of there. I have watched them play a lot. People will so easily comment on Sean Dyche, or 'they haven't won in this many games'. It is not easy to turn around a great club… that will be a process in my opinion."