Everton could promote Under 18s manager Leighton Baines to the job of senior boss after the sacking of Frank Lampard, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Lampard sacked by Everton

The Blues suffered yet another defeat in the Premier League over the weekend, losing 2-0 away to fellow strugglers West Ham and now sitting 19th in the table.

It has finally led to the dismissal of Lampard after a dreadful run of form, with the 44-year-old sacked on Monday according to Pete O'Rourke, amid much speculation surrounding his future.

The search is seemingly now on to find his successor at Goodison Park, in what is a hugely important decision ahead of the second half of the season.

The Latest: Baines to be promoted?

According to Dominic King of The Daily Mail, Baines is a possibility to replace Lampard, with Under 21s boss Paul Tait likely to join the former Blues left-back:

"One option would be to promote former player Leighton Baines, who is now in charge of the Under 18s, and Under 21s head coach Paul Tait to oversee matters."

The Verdict: Too big a risk?

While the idea of promoting Baines is a bold, in-house choice, there is a clear risk element involved, given Everton's current struggles in the Premier League.

[freshpress-quiz id=“418944"]

The 38-year-old has no experience in senior management at all and the owners must decide whether or not the job could overawe him, as he looks to steer the Blues clear of danger.

He hasn't exactly set the world alight in his role with the youth side either, recording just 1.25 points-per-match in 12 games in the U18 Premier League.

If Everton weren't in such a perilous position, the decision to appoint Baines would arguably make more sense, but as it is, a more experienced figure such as Sean Dyche or Mauricio Pochettino would be preferable.

The former has huge experience of keeping Burnley in the top flight, which would bode well - they finished between seventh and 17th five seasons in a row between 2016 and 2021 - while the latter managed Tottenham to the 2019 Champions League and has genuine pedigree.