Martinez confirmed as Everton boss

Roberto Martinez was hired as the new manager of Everton on Wednesday, concluding his four-year spell at Wigan that ended with the club’s relegation from the English Premier League last month.

The 39-year-old Spaniard signed a four-year deal as the replacement for David Moyes, who is taking over from Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

Martinez is Everton’s first new manager in 11 years.

His stock remained high despite failing to keep Wigan in England’s top division for the fourth straight season. He guided the northwest team to a first major trophy thanks to a surprise 1-0 win over Manchester City in the FA Cup final in May and insisted on playing easy-on-the-eye football that earned plaudits across the country.

“He is going to a great club, great supporters and I wish him the best of luck,” said Wigan owner Dave Whelan, who allowed Martinez to begin talks with Everton in the wake of his team’s relegation.

“He is just a wonderful guy, very honest and he gives you 150 per cent, totally.”

Step up

Martinez spent six years as a player at Wigan before returning as manager in 2009 after two years at Swansea.

Joining Everton will be a big step up for Martinez, with his remit changing to qualifying for Europe rather than simply keeping a team in the Premier League.

Everton remains one of England’s biggest clubs, with a large fan base around the world owing to their success in the 1980s when they vied with local rival Liverpool as the country’s biggest team.

Their last major trophy was the FA Cup in 1995, however, and success-starved fans will want Martinez to replicate the stability and style of football under Moyes – but also add some trophies to the mix. Everton finished sixth in the standings last season, above Liverpool for a second straight season.

Martinez’s first task will be to secure the futures of Everton’s star players such as Leighton Baines, Marouane Fellaini and Phil Jagielka, who are in demand after strong seasons at Goodison Park.