adminDUTCHMAN Ronald Koeman became the new manager of English Premier League club Everton yesterday after his previous club Southampton reluctantly agreed to release him a year early from his contract.
The 53-year-old — who guided Southampton to their highest finish in the Premier League of sixth last term and a place in the Europa League — signed a three-year contract with Everton and replaces Roberto Martinez, who was sacked just before the end of the Premier League campaign.
Koeman — who had said earlier this year he would see out the last year of his three-year contract with the Saints — has been lured to Everton by the promise by the club’s major shareholder, Iranian billionaire Farhad Moshiri, of more than £100 million for new signings.
Koeman, who has previously coached the big Dutch league trio of PSV, Feyenoord and Ajax, said it was a proud moment for him to take over the reins despite their disappointing Premier League campaign which saw them finish 11th. — SuperSort
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu