Nathan Patterson has explained why he believes Everton is a different club with Frank Lampard at the helm compared to when he signed under Rafa Benitez.
Patterson signed for Everton from Rangers during the January transfer window. He signed a deal with the Blues until June 2027, ending his long association with the Glasgow giants, who he joined when he was eight years of age.
When arrived at Goodison Park, the Blues were in the middle of a torturous season, which had saw them pick up just six points from the last 12 games they had played. Patterson was signed by Rafa Benitez but the Spaniard was sacked just 14 days after Everton had secured the services of the full-back.
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Frank Lampard was the man chosen to replace Benitez by the Goodison hierarchy and even though the former Chelsea boss endured some bumps along the way, he managed to keep Everton up, with a memorable 3-2 comeback victory over Crystal Palace securing their place in season’s top-flight.
Benitez was a controversial appointment due to his previous ties with Liverpool and he clashed with a number of players during his six months in charge of the club. Lampard, on the other hand, has been praised for the way he has connected with Blues supporters.
And even though Everton sit just a point above the relegation zone after 15 games, with Wolves at home up next on Boxing Day, Patterson admits the mood in the camp couldn't be any more different from when he arrived just under 12 months ago.
“It was difficult for me at the start. I had to adapt to two managers quickly while still settling in,” he told Mail Sport.
“We were in a tough place when I arrived so I understand why the manager didn’t want to throw in a young guy who’d never played before in the Premier League.
“This is a great club and everyone is together now. The feeling in the dressing-room is a lot better than last season when we were in a tough situation.
“We’ve got fresh faces in and the squad is a lot stronger. I want to play as much as I can this season, get assists and maybe some goals as well.
“I’ve never had a full season of playing at Rangers or Everton so, if I can stay fit, I want to get as many minutes and starts as possible. I’m ambitious. I want to play at the top level.
“It’s every boy’s dream to play in the Champions League one day. Everyone wants to be involved in European football. And if I do well at Everton, I believe we can get up the table.”
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