EVERTON manager Frank Lampard fined a player for stopping to tie his laces on his first day of training. Lamps, 43, has imposed a slew of rules to show Toffees stars he’s no softie. And his no-nonsense approach has impressed his megabucks aces. One player arrived to a post-lunch meeting seconds late after tending to […]
EVERTON manager Frank Lampard fined a player for stopping to tie his laces on his first day of training.
Lamps, 43, has imposed a slew of rules to show Toffees stars he’s no softie.
And his no-nonsense approach has impressed his megabucks aces.
One player arrived to a post-lunch meeting seconds late after tending to his trainers.
He was told to have the cash on the boss’s desk the next morning.
The edict is part of a list stuck on the changing room wall at the team’s Finch Farm HQ in Liverpool.
The team, which includes party-loving Demarai Gray and Dele Alli, must stick to a dress code.
Any star caught using their phone at a team meeting or dinners will be fined £2,000.
Players who refuse to travel back from an away game with the rest of the team will be hit with £5,000 bill.
The late-running player turned up with a wad of notes on Wednesday morning — and was relieved when Lamps refused to take it.
The boss shook his hand in front of teammates — and said it was a warning. But anyone breaking the rules will cough up from Monday. Fines will go to charities and for a team night out.
The insider added: “It could have been the most expensive lace-tying in history but the squad now knows they must stick to the rules.
“The players were a bit annoyed about having to travel back as a group. Sometimes they like to be by themselves, especially if they’ve lost.
“But Lampard said there was a lack of discipline in the squad and the fines will help bring everyone together and get Everton up the table from 16th. The players have a spring in their step.”
Dad-of-three Lamps — wed to TV host Christine, also 43 — will manage his first Everton game in today’s FA Cup tie vs Brentford.
The former England and Chelsea star took over after Rafa Benitez was fired. His assistants include ex-teammate Ashley Cole and ex-Goodison Park tough guy striker Duncan Ferguson.
Everton were approached for comment last night.
