Roberto Martinez: Toffee temptation too much for Spaniard
Roberto Martinez was officially named as the new Everton manager during a press conference at Goodison Park. The Spaniard penned a four-year contract and takes over from departed boss David Moyes.
Martinez experienced mixed fortunes this season as manager of Wigan Athletic. The former Swansea player won the FA Cup and saw his side relegated in the space of four days at the end of May.
Wigan’s relegation from the Premier League put an end to Roberto’s four-year stint at the DW Stadium. During his time, Martinez was labelled the master of the great escape – helping Dave Whelan’s Latics avoid the drop on no fewer than three occasions.
Former JJB Sports owner, Whelan, spoke of his admiration of Martinez and was able to keep hold of the Spaniard last season, despite reported interest from Liverpool and Aston Villa.
A Wigan statement said: “Roberto’s influence at the club, both as a player and manager, an association that spanned over a decade, will remain unforgettable to all Latics’ fans.”
The club would like to place on record its appreciation for his tireless work during that time, culminating in FA Cup glory last month at Wembley Stadium.”
Leaving with a heavy-heart, Martinez now has the admirable task of surpassing the feats that David Moyes achieved in his 11-year stint at Goodison Park. Without sizable transfer budgets, Moyes was able to guide his Everton side to a top eight finish in the last seven seasons.
Questions will remain as to whether Roberto Martinez has the experience and ability to achieve great things at Everton. Martinez’s style is one that promotes passing and attacking football – a style which the Toffees will hope can take them up a level and finish in the elusive top four places for years to come.
Martinez is accustomed to working with a tight playing budget and will arguably not struggle to adapt to life at Goodison Park in regards to transfer policy.
Whilst funds may be seen as limited for Everton, their ambition and ability to attract a certain calibre of talent will outweigh the expectations Martinez was assigned at the DW Stadium – with the Spaniard now able to work with the likes of Marouane Fellaini, Leighton Baines and Steven Pienaar.
A big task awaits a manager who has just replaced the successor to Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford. Roberto Martinez is regarded as one of the most promising managers in the game and the spotlight many craved for him is now a reality.
Thomas Bradley, football correspondent
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