Martinez Confirmed as Everton manager

Everton have confirmed that they have signed former Wigan manager Roberto Martinez on a 4 year deal today.

The 39- year- old Spaniard asked to leave Wigan after winning the FA Cup and being relegated from the Premier League in the same season. Martinez replaces David Moyes who has taken over from Sir Alex Ferguson at champions Manchester United.

Despite winning the FA Cup with Wigan many believe that Martinez still has a lot to prove. Taking charge of a high flying Everton side hailed for punching above their weight under Moyes will prove if Martinez has what it takes to continue to manage in the Premier League.

Martinez was lauded by many for managing several ”great escapes” with Wigan in recent seasons but has also been questioned for failing to fix the poor defensive displays of Wigan in the premier league. Taking charge of the Everton backline with Phil Jagielka, Sylvain Distin, Leighton Baines and the ever-improving Seamus Coleman should provide a solid foundation for the new manager.

Martinez is known for insisting his teams play a positive, free flowing game and if he gets this right at Everton he is sure to become a fan favourite quickly at Goodison Park.

As with Moyes, Martinez will not have a massive transfer budget but a lot will depend on whether someone activates the £23 million buyout clause of Belgium Marouane Fellaini. If activated Martinez could expect to have £20 million available to bring in new players. It has already been indicated that Martinez is looking to bring in a couple of Wigan players with Callum McManaman, Arouna Kone, James McCarthy and Shaun Maloney being among the favourites.

One thing is for sure, Everton Chairman Bill Kenwright will hope that Martinez is just as an inspired decision as it was to bring in David Moyes 11 years ago.

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