Moshiri backs Lampard amid Everton turmoil

Everton owner Farhad Moshiri insisted on Wednesday he remains supportive of under-fire manager Frank Lampard amid mounting calls for change in the dugout and the boardroom at the struggling Premier League club.

An Everton supporters' group wrote to Moshiri on Friday asking him to address their concerns about the club after the team's slump into the relegation zone.

Lampard's side are facing a second successive fight to avoid dropping into the Championship after narrowly surviving last term.

Everton are without a win in their last eight games in all competitions and bowed out of the FA Cup in the third round after a 3-1 defeat at Manchester United last Friday.

Frustrated with the direction of the club under Moshiri and Lampard, Everton supporters are planning a sit-in protest for after Saturday's crucial league match against fellow strugglers Southampton at Goodison Park.

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Moshiri moved to answer some of the scathing criticism when he backed Lampard in response to the Toffees' Fans' Forum letter.

"I have faith in the work being done not only by our manager, but our director of football (Kevin Thelwell) and our board of directors," he wrote.

"I am confident that we have skilled, experienced and focused professionals at all levels of the club.

"We are all agreed that our current league position must and will improve. The focus of myself, the club and the fans is aligned -- a better Everton -- and I am confident we can move forward in a constructive and positive manner."

However, Moshiri's letter may do little to ease tensions among fans, with the Fans' Forum responding: "Our current situation is unacceptable. It's time for a better Everton."