Everton sack Roberto Martinez

"Everton have sacked their manager Roberto Martinez after three years in charge of the Merseyside club. Football Ticket Pad takes a look at the candidates to take over at Goodison Park "
Published by
12th May 2016
Categories: Everton, Premier League

Everton has sacked their manager Roberto Martinez after three years in charge of the Merseyside club.

Following last night’s dismal display against Sunderland it appears that the Everton board finally lost patience in the Spaniard. The sacking comes after weeks of discontent from the Everton fans urging for the club to sack the manager after their relationship turned sour which left Martinez’ side with only one win in their last ten games.

Martinez had led the side to the FA Cup and Capital One Cup semi finals this season, however poor league form is what has cost him his job as Everton sit in 12th place in the Premier League after only picking up 20 points since the turn of the year - Only  Aston Villa have a worse record.

The 43 year-old arrived at the club from Wigan Athletic and had an impressive first season on Merseyside leading the Toffees to a fifth place finish in the Premier League.

However, in the following two seasons, Martinez was unable to replicate the highs and struggled to find defensive solidarity which has cost him on many occasions this season as Everton recorded their worst home record in the club’s 138 year history.

A statement on the Everton club website read: “Everton Football Club regrets to announce that Roberto Martinez has left his position as First Team Manager with immediate effect.”

“The Chairman and the Board of Directors would like to place on record their thanks for the dedication and commitment Roberto has shown during his three years with the club. Roberto has been a great ambassador for the club, conducting himself, at all times, with the utmost integrity and dignity.”

 

Everton First Team coach, Duncan Ferguson and the club’s Under 21 coach David Unsworth are the names rumoured to take temporary charge of Everton’s final game of the season against Norwich City on Sunday.

Former Ajax boss, Frank De Boer is the bookmakers favourite to get the Everton job. Football Ticket Pad takes a look at De Boer’s credentials and a glance at the other candidates who may be in the Goodison Park dugout at the start next season:

 

Frank De Boer: The Dutchman left his position as Ajax boss earlier this week and he is the firm favourite to take charge at Everton after his agent declared he would “love” the chance to manage in the Premier League.  De Boer certainly fits the Everton criteria after guiding Ajax to four Eredivisie titles in six seasons and should be an exciting acquisition should be get the nod. Despite not having Premier League experience, De Boer may bring his Ajax coaches Dennis Bergkamp and Jaap Staam to help him settle into the rigours of English football.

Manuel Pellegrini: Pellegrini brings considerable Premier League experience from his time at Manchester City where he guided them to a Premier League title and two Capital One Cup triumphs. He will be keen to continue his impressive record in England and Everton will be a chance for him to do that. The former Real Madrid boss has shown from his time at Malaga that he can achieve success at smaller clubs.

Rafael Benitez: The former Liverpool boss would be a controversial appointment but he is a proven Premier League manager and knows the city inside out. Following Newcastle United’s relegation to the Championship it looks unlikely that Benitez will stay on as manager. Benitez still lives on Merseyside and the opportunity to manage the club will surely turn his head, despite managing Everton’s bitter rivals in the past. The Spaniard has an impressive CV which boasts Champions League and FA Cup successes and the Everton board will be looking for a manager who can make them challenge again in the long-term.

Ronald Koeman: The Southampton manager is another Dutchman in the frame for the Everton position. He has proved this season he has the Premier League capabilities to succeed, however if he will leave St Mary’s after an impressive first season remains to be seen. If Everton do go for Koeman it will be a strong signal of intent and with financial backing of the new Everton owners, Koeman has proved he is a shrewd businessman in the transfer market.