adminThe 39-year-old Spaniard quickly emerged as the front-runner for the role after Moyes was appointed as the successor to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United on May 9 and he was subsequently given permission to leave Wigan Athletic by chairman Dave Whelan.
“Everton Football Club is today delighted to confirm the appointment of Roberto Martinez as its next manager,” Everton said in a statement on their website.
“The 39-year-old Spaniard joins from Wigan Athletic and has signed a four-year contract at Goodison Park.”
British media reports said Everton had agreed to pay Wigan £1,5 million (US$2,3 million) to release Martinez from the final year of his Wigan contract.
He led Wigan to a shock victory over Manchester City in this season’s FA Cup final – the club’s first major honour – but they were subsequently relegated from the Premier League.
Whelan immediately tipped Martinez to be a success at Everton, telling Sky Sports News he was a “perfect” candidate to take the club forward.
“He’s a wonderful guy, very honest and he gives you 150 percent, totally,” Whelan said. “We’re sorry to lose him, but I’m delighted he has gone to Everton. I wish him the very best of luck.”
Martinez has earned a reputation for producing teams that play attractive, passing football during his spells with Wigan and previous side Swansea City, and former Everton striker Kevin Campbell believes he will be a good fit at Goodison Park.
“The way he plays the game, the fans are going to like the style, and I think the players are going to improve, and that’s really important,” he said, prior to Martinez’s announcement.
“Everton have wonderfully gifted players and I think he will give them a new lease of life.”
Moyes failed to bring a trophy to Everton during his 11-year tenure, but despite a relative lack of financial backing, the Merseyside club repeatedly punched above their weight during his stewardship.
They finished sixth in the Premier League this season, which was their seventh consecutive top-eight finish. – AFP.
Online Reporter