TalkSPORT pundit Alex Crook has slammed Frank Lampard after a disastrous run of form for Everton.

What's the word?

Everton were booed off as they lost 4-1 at home to Brighton, and are dangerously close to the relegation zone after just one win in their last ten matches.

Manager Frank Lampard has come under scrutiny for this poor run, and could be in danger of losing his job.

Speaking on TalkSPORT, Crook claimed that he was shocked that the former Chelsea star had not been sacked already, and that he may not last longer in his role.

"I don't think Lampard gets a free pass. One win in ten is not good enough at any level of football," he stated.

"I would be surprised if he survives; I was surprised he survived the back-to-back defeats I saw at Bournemouth just before the World Cup break. They were abject, twice, in four or five days. Everton's away fans were very unhappy with the performance.

"To me, he looks out of his depth."

A lack of obvious replacement?

It is a fair argument to suggest that Lampard deserves to be sacked, but perhaps the reason he is still in charge at Goodison Park is that there is simply no strong alternative candidate.

With the club in a relegation battle and transfer funds seemingly tight, it is perhaps not the most desirable job for a top manager to take over.

Experienced managers such as Carlo Ancelotti and Rafael Benitez failed to bring about significant long-term change at the club, so there doesn't seem to be an obvious plan in the event Lampard is sacked.

Former boss Roberto Martinez is available, but the Spaniard's previous reign at the club did not end well, and it remains to be seen whether the fans would be enthused by his appointment.

If Everton make a mistake at this point - either by keeping Lampard or hiring a worse replacement - they could be in serious danger of a first-ever relegation from the Premier League and appear set to face a tense second half of the season either way.