Everton have cut short Ellis Simms’ loan spell with Sunderland in an effort to address their goals shortage, with Frank Lampard admitting he needs results to buy time as manager.
Lampard’s team visit Manchester City on New Year’s Eve having lost six of their last eight Premier League matches, including a 95th-minute reversal at home to Wolves on Boxing Day. Everton’s weakness in front of goal was again evident with several chances squandered against a team that had started the day bottom of the table.
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New strikers are a priority for Lampard in the January transfer window but, with none on the immediate horizon, Everton have recalled Simms from a productive loan spell in the Championship. The 21-year-old scored seven goals in 17 appearances for Tony Mowbray’s promotion-chasing side, having joined on a season-long loan in the summer. Everton had a recall option, however, and have activated it in a considerable blow to Sunderland.
Lampard, who is one of several managers with an interest in the Manchester United forward Anthony Elanga, said earlier this week: “We have the ability to recall Ellis and we are considering that. It will be my decision first and foremost. There is a balance of what is best for Ellis and what is best for us and to get him in a position to be ready to come in and score goals.
“It is one question to be scoring in the Championship, another scoring goals in the Premier League. When we look at where we are at – and I am talking about options off the bench for us and options to start if someone shows himself – we have to look at everything that is in our hands, and Ellis is our player.”
After Simms’ departure was confirmed, Kristjaan Speakman, Sunderland’s sporting director, said: “Ellis’ return to Merseyside is a real disappointment to us due to the shared progress that he and the club have made this season. Unfortunately, this is the nature of loans when they are successful, but it is a testament to Tony and the wider staff – and of course to Ellis – that Everton feel he is ready to continue his immediate development in a Premier League environment.
“We all wish Ellis the very best and thank him for the part he has played in our continual progression as a football club.”
Lampard spoke to the Everton owner, Farhad Moshiri, and the chairman, Bill Kenwright, after the Wolves defeat and said: “There is a unity and an understanding of what we want to do.”
But he admitted results must improve after a run that has left Everton one place and one point above the relegation zone. Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has missed most of the campaign through injury, is available for the trip to the Etihad Stadium.
Lampard added: “I’m not saying I’ve got time. I understood the job I was in, I understood the job I was in at Chelsea, I understand expectations. In terms of Dominic, we’ve hopefully got him at a stage where his match fitness is pretty good. Hopefully he comes back and hits the ground running. Hopefully we can bring in players who have a big impact. It’s important that we bring in players to impact now. And we need to get results. That’s what helps with the time and the process. I understand it’s as simple as that.”
