Everton have today sacked under-fire manager Roberto Martinez following a disastrous season for the club.
The former Wigan boss was deposed barely 24 hours after last night’s 3-0 surrender at Sunderland placed his future under further scrutiny.
Martinez guided the Blues to successive semi-finals this term in the FA Cup and Capital One Cup but faltered massively in the Premier League, with the club currently languishing 12th in the table.
And the Catalan has paid the price for that domestic stagnation following the decision of new majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri to bring the 42-year-old’s three-year tenure to a premature end.
“Everton Football Club regrets to announce that Roberto Martinez has left his position as first team manager with immediate effect,” read a club statement.
“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 seasons with the club.
“Roberto has been a great ambassador for the club, conducting himself, at all times, with the utmost integrity and dignity. He secured the club its highest ever Premier League points total, a place in the last 16 of the Europa League and appearances in both domestic cup semi-finals.
“He has also played a key role in the development of several young players, managing their progression to the Everton first team and international honours.”
Following Martinez’s sacking, Everton have taken the decision to cancel their annual end of season awards, due to take place at St George’s Hall tonight.