Martínez set for Everton post

Only good thing I can say is at least it's not the dreaded 'internal appointment'.

Just one slight negative before I fully embrace the Martinez reign....

HE CAN'T FUCKING DEFEND!!!!!

Want him or not he's ours and he loves a good scrap as Siteh found out, so boys and girls give him a chance and get behind him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

COYB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No doubt all blues will get behind him, as we do for everyone who pulls on the Royal Blue or stands in the dug out. Despite the dark days of Walter Smith there was never any real movement to get rid of him. So I know he'll be given time.

I hate to say it but we need the Fellaini money. £24 mil plus the TV money will give him a chance to put his stamp on the squad. Hopefully his first signing will be McManaman. We also need a striker, a centre mid and centre back (but that's just dream world)

Nervous but excited. I think it could work!

Plus he turned down Liverpool!

DM was always going to be a hard act to follow whoever was going to get the job. I think we are in for a bumpy ride for a couple of seasons so hold tight!

In Martinez we trust!

Who's with the other lot?!

The School of Science is at last coming back to Goodison Park.

Welcome to your spiritual home Rubberrrtoor.

I do hope he can bring McManaman, I think he is the missing piece to a really good team. I'm really excited now — can wait for his press conference!!! It could've been a hell of a lot worse.

I really hope we all rally behind him and give the guy a chance. I think we are in for a very exciting season.

Welcome Roberto and good luck!

Dean mate, there some really positive waves your sending out to Roberto, he can't fail with well wishers like you can he?

No one at Wigan from the manager to any of the players is good enough for Everton.

Big Nev was completely right lack of ambition!!

I hope to god I am wrong but kiss goodbye to top half finish and prepare for relegation battles!!!

As has been said, if he's now our boss we'll give him support, although it is slightly anti-climatic.

Bring in McMananananananaman and see what this team can do when the shackles are off.

Ross 934 "just focus on the attacking side" is the worst possible advice in my opinion (not that he'll take it). He has to work doubly, triply, four times as hard on his defensive game because that's a real weak point which is where focus should go.

Attacking focus without a solid defence gets teams relegated without a shadow of a doubt

I've no problems with this appointment. Bring your style, flair & utilise our current defence plus some additions & you could prove the naysayers wrong!?

ps: Bring Kone, McManaman & McCarthy. DM is doing us over so follow the example.

You have your opinion. I will have mine. If you don't like it, tough shit. I don't care what you think. I just don't believe that this is the best we could do, even though I was a fan of his at Swanea and watched them regularly. I am just underwhelmed, we are bigger than Roberto, in my opinion. At least I wished him luck!! We will need it.

Michael, at least it isn't Weir.

I'm chuffed Roberto is going to be our new boss, and I have none of the apprehension over his ability to defend. He is coming to an established top six club with a huge history, passionate fan base, excellent squad (including a solid defence), great coaches and a top training and youth facilities. He is also joining us at a time when the TV money means he might have a few quid to spend. If one of our top stars does go he will have a decent kitty to play with as the money won't go on servicing the debt. I'm truly excited by this news. Though I felt all along he was the likely appointment, you just never know with Everton!

I'm glad to see that a majority of posters either support the appointment unreservedly or the ones with concerns say they will back him 100%. Thats what we need now. Whole hearted support and belief our club can do great things!

Sin miedo!

Let's give him a chance to see what he can do.

IMWT has new meaning! (Maybe that's what swayed it for Bill!!)

He should have kept his trap shut until we announced!

Ken Williams reckons he should have gone with our poll. We should have had Bill on Family Fortunes.

All the best to him. Hopefully it'll be sown up within five weeks of Moyes going so the laughable whinges on something else can begin.

However, he will bring exciting football for us all, and if he brings McManaman with him then that would be great.

He gets my support, no question of that, but I do feel he will only bring us somewhere between 12th and 8th place finishes in the league, which will ultimately cost us league placings in terms of money, which our beloved club can ill-afford.

A trick has been missed here.

Welcome Roberto!

(Mcmanaman 1st signing please, forgotten what a player who REALLY gets everyone off their seat is like!)

Now if he is a success then I will put my hands up and say I was wrong but just playing attacking football is the right way to get a team in trouble — just look at… WIGAN!!!!!!

Our defence won't become Wigan's overnight so that is stupidity to suggest such. Certainly not the worst candidate out there so lets all get behind the new man. I for one am excited about the new season for once and that is a refreshing feeling

Dean, I too am a bit uneasy about the relegation, but we have defense that will see us through, forget relegation.

I'm absolutely sure he's learned lessons from Wigan, just let go mate and see what happens.

Welcome onto the bigger stage, you've earned the chance by playing an attractive game at unfashionable footballing outposts in Wigan and Swansea and it would be fantastic to graft this style on to the solidity which Moyes based his teams on.

Championship, here we come. GUTTED!!

This is a massive gamble based on the assumption that RM has been held back by lack of funds and injuries. How this is supposed to change at Everton, I have no idea... unless BK has suddenly found a cash mountain.

What does it say about the Club and its ambition? Aspirationally it says that at best we are hoping for the status quo, more likely BK is happy for EPL mid-table and a better crack at a cup. What will such a statement mean in terms of our ability to retain players and attract new ones of real calibre? Negredo? No chance. Keep Baines and Fellaini, I hope so... but I really doubt it now.

You may have gathered I am underwhelmed. Hope he proves me wrong, but this was a real opportunity missed in my opinion.

We've all been playing fantasy manager over the past 10 days, but at the moment we don't know who, if any, the other potential candidates were. So, perhaps give it a rest on the 'Once again bungling Bill makes the wrong decision' until it becomes clearer.

Aside from a few diehard refuseniks, the TW consensus appears to be - may not work, but better than an internal and Martinez should be given a chance, I'm happy to run with that (and have expunged the word defence from my vocabulary).

Relegation next season?
What a complete load of bollocks that statement is.

Everyone is entitled to an opinion. You're right on this. Mine is that it is a shameful stupidity which fails to welcome Martinez to such a key role without even a semblance of grace.

We're all doooomed!!!!

What's up with these people, Roberto's here, the suns out and we're going win things again - marvelous!

We needed the change and, as Everton cannot afford the Mourinhos of this world, we have to settle for someone who has won just one trophy (one more than Moyes).

Okay, Wigan got relegated but they played football as good as any and some mediocre teams dodged the bullet.

I for one relish the new season with the new boss as Everton were becoming so predictable under Moyes. Would some of you have preferred Mark Hughes or Tony Pulis?

Must get behind him now, hope Stubbs and Weir are made first team coaches to look after defence!!

A VAMOS BOBBY!

Robert Collins 027

I will support our Manager, but I really do have reservations, based on his record in this league. He did a great job at Swansea in the lower leagues and set up a legacy that saw his team promoted to the Prem, even if it was Brenda getting the plaudits. I just can't believe we could not get a bigger name than RM. He must be held in such low esteem by the rest of Europe.

I also look forward to seeing if he can get Jelavic playing again. When I have seen him playing for us recently he spends way too much time out on the flanks when he should be in the box doing what he does best. We need those first touch finishes to start flying in again to convert some of those draws into wins!

Well, The King is Dead!! Long live The King!!!

Sorry mate but that's a bunch of crap. There are players in the Wigan team who would be first-rate acquisitions for us: any one of the 3 M's to kick things off.

And hey get off Dean Adams's back. He's not someone who criticizes for the sake of doing so or a doom and gloom merchant either. His support for Moyes softened a little over time but he is a thoughtful poster and this post you are all crying about says (1) I don't want Martinez; he was not my first choice and (2) but we have him as gaffer now so 'good luck' to him.

I also would have preferred the Oporto gaffer but wish Martinez 'good luck': does that make me a good candidate for the 'Entertainments Officer on the Marie Celeste!' or with Deano, the new leaders of MOB (how silly)

I just hope that your grace does not become dis-grace if it does not work out.

More fervently hoping he's enough of a manager to keep Bainesy, Mirallas, Barkley etc if offers come in for them. If Fellis out we might have an inside track on McCarthy...though Whelan isn't going to sell cheap.

Could be worse but, as is our way under the current regime, it will be a while until I get past the happy place of where we might have been with just a little investment of backbone and, as Robby himself might say, cojones!.

Mark Tanton (38): 'To those who are disappointed, who would you rather see?'

Hope he wasn't the one who failed to sign Martinez 12 months ago!

I am surprised Chelsea have appointed Mourihno when they had all these expert ToffeeWebbers to choose from!!

A lot of great coaches need to fail before they succeed. Hopefully he'll be one of them.

Dean, did you know Wenger got AC Nancy relegated from the French prem, he ended up in Japan before Arsenal gave him a chance, Bobby Robson also went down with Fulham, Klopp with Mainz.

The way I look at it is that Wigan suffered the misery of relegation, but we get a wiser manager and none of the misery.

As for the rest of Europe, if he starts to put some results together (and I think he will), we'll need to worry about one the bigger clubs coming in for him.

Our defense is solid enough for him to go up the other end and hand out a thumping or two.

As much as we all wanted someone to get the juices flowing it was never going to happen, nobody from Germany would move, Italian managers are more negative than DM, Portuguese and Scottish managers operate with only half a dozen difficult games a year, French football is weak and does anyone know if anyone in Holland or Belgium is worth considering.

That left us with Premier league or Championship managers and whoever was chosen was bound to leave many underwhelmed, but hell he's here and we support Everton not the manager or the chairman so lets judge him by results on the park not for what he might be or might have been.

The Cup win does not mask the fact that his team went down with an appalling goal difference.

I keep on reading about the injuries affecting out his backline; well, if your defence is wiped out then alter your team shape (dogs of war style) to avoid conceding, instead of "sticking to your principles" and being relegated.

I would be delighted to be proven wrong but there are, I fear, dark days looming.

Barry Rathbone and MOB, god I hope you were right. Kenwright best make sure he's got this one right, as the fans will be turning on him if this goes pear shaped. The times are changing.

And I thought you didnt care! Thanks for the endorsment. I am glad that a voice of reason is still to be found on these pages.
I have lots of Swansea supporting friends who will be laughing their nuts off with this one, but at least its not Malky!

lt's not the fault of Roberto Martinez that Wigan ran out of money. At least we can go to the old Sky 4 clubs and try to win at last. I'm on Everton to win away at least once, maybe twice at these places next season. Old Trafford and Anfield would be rather nice. Would love to work it to Moyes especially... Things can only get better from now on. Fantasy Football here we come.

Good footy ain't just nice triangles and possession with no end product (we've witnessed enough of that), bit organize play and winning games, that's footy.

He's gonna have a small budget, but I'm not writing him off. I'm on the fence, no overwhelmed nor worried. I expect a drop in league position, like 10th or 9th, but to be expected with a new man and a períod of transition.

This is a worry, mind. I can't see the fans staying too patient with a low league placing.

I expect to see more of Barkley, Lundstram and Co.

All I know is I'm interested to see what'll happen.

Presumably you want new attackers (with what?) or if the present unit used to playing a new system have to change their ways then I can only see an immediate dip whilst they get used to any new gung ho system.

Of the defenders you mention two are over 30 (one of whom completely defies the odds in terms of performance but time will catch up sooner rather than later), the other is 28 and one of our two most saleable assets to raise the funds you might need for your attacking revolution. If this is to be realised at all then Baines has to be sold now-ish as his value will now be diminshing. Their replacements are another CB over 30 who's lost his heart and wants to go, a much maligned RB over 30 and a boy with virtually no premiership experience. I agree they will not be bad defenders overnight but the combined team defence a la Moyes relies on the players immediately in front of them also providing defensive cover.

Paints a very different picture n'est-ce pas?

So yes we need a striker which we all agree was the missing link last couple of seasons, and Jelavic flattered to deceive, but I'd say the defence needs immediate attention to build another solid unit which we have heavily relied on over the past decade.

Whatever else is said about Moyes, I'd have trusted him to get the most bang for our limited bucks for defenders (Kroldrup aside) and to drill them into an efficient unit over a couple of years.

But entrusting Martinez with this makes me shudder.

Sin defendo, and COYB

The only thing cheering me up is the thought that Tony Marsh is out and about somewhere telling whoever will listen "Mark my words, it's definitely gonna be Phil Neville. My source at the club told me"!!!

'Negativity'? Somewhat over-the-top, I feel.

There is nothing at all negative about saying something like this, I did want someone else, or this, I don't feel particularly excited this minute, or even this, I have concerns about the future.

People are absolutely bang on entitled to say what they have been saying for a couple of weeks now about their preferences one way or another.

Are we all supposed to be leaping about our houses right now screaming and clapping and howling with unmitigated delight? Foolish. Do we all have to dance because some of us are dancing?

What sort of reaction did you honestly expect? It was always going to be a mixed bag whoever got the nod from Teary Billy. People have their picks and opinions and are perfectly entitled to voice them. Are we somehow disloyal if we express a little bit of understandable concern or confess to not being set alight by developments in L4?

One noticeable thing is how people with shreds of scepticism still wish RM good luck want him to do well.
So, the new piety begins. We have all to be jumping off and on wardrobes in unadulterated glee or we will be called 'negative'. And don't you dare tap that doom and gloom word Mr Adams or Mr him or Mrs her.

So, I would have preferred the Oporto geezer. I have one or two concerns about Martinez that I would like and hope and perhaps expect to see resolved (the least of them, by the way, is his record on defence). I am happy at the thought that we might well pick up a couple of pie-eater players who I value highly. I like what I see of RM but I have concerns, he was not my 1st choice, but I wish him all the luck in the world and would like him to succeed.

Am I, therefore, 'negative'?

We will play some very good football next year. Nobody on here can deny this one.
Welcome back School of Science. - Okay, maybe not the defence.
He's a real gent.
He has already won a lot more than Moyes with a lot less resources.
We will give the bigger teams a go. - I bet Martinez soon wins at Anfield.
We will not bottle the bigger games. - I was a Moyes fan but there is no denying that when the chips were down his Everton side often failed.
He is only young.
He has Premier League experience.

The only negative I can really see is:

His teams are shit at defending. - Granted, this is a fucking massive one but I would wager that he is intelligent enough and young enough to work on that one.

When Moyes was appointed, Everton had been struggling for years, so a Championship manager was understandable. As the 6th best team in the league, I don't think a Championship manager is acceptable now. We should be setting our sights higher.

Still if it is Martinez, hopefully he'll prove me wrong.

IRWT!

I like the fact he's intelligent, knows the PL, unlike Pereira et al, believes in conditioning players to avoid soft tissue injury and best of all is attacking and aggressive. Defensively we'll be OK – Jags and Distin don't need coaching. I can't wait to see the new blood he'll bring in.

Carl Sanderson (83) - Well, he has my support, but I'm unimpressed.'

Ian Bennett (84) 'll support him, but I can't say I am impressed'

Can I just say that Carl and Ian have very right to say this as the new Bishops who rap them on the knuckles for daring to be underwhelmed in this holy minute.

But of the three, RM was my first choice. Good luck Roberto!

Maybe just maybe a leap into the unknown is just what we need, a shot in the arm so to speak, Martinez will know what a good side we have and will hopefully not bottle it when taking on the teams we have NEVER beaten in their own yard under Daveys reign.

Yes maybe we needed a change, the ultimate litmus test will be looking down the east lancs road and comparing notes.
If David Moyes can take utd forward with a shed full of dosh, well we have our answers.
A change is as good as a rest, hopefully!

Good luck Roberto.

Brian Clough did it!

I'm back in love with football.

COYB !!

One more thing, folks: all this talk of buying the Macca lad, so where's he gonna play exactly? Young Seamus has the right wing boxed off already, left wing's sorted as well, with Pienaar, Mirallas & Oviedo, take yer pick, we ONLY need one player at the moment... a fucking striker — NOW!!!.

A Black day for our great club.

But we will just have to get on with it and come the end of November will see what he's made of.

I hope when the season gets underway that a packed Goodison will welcome him in the same manner that David Moyes was welcomed and all those who have managed Everton in the past, until it went awry or got stale. I also hope that people remember how patient they were with DM when on occasion we had to wait until October for our first home win.

Depending on who remains of the backroom staff, we have enough good people to maintain the good things that DM instilled and if RM can retain that spirit and add to it a spirit of adventure we could be in for an interesting if not a roller-coaster season.

I hope for the majority of the time he allows his players to express themselves freely but remembers that sometimes a team does have to be defensively minded, but not in every game and not against all opposition, let's see where we are at Christmas and then worry or dream depending on the results we have.

I hope we play the bigger teams early on as even if it goes pear-shaped there will still be time to recover, but if it goes well then who knows what might happen.
Good Luck Roberto - Here's to an interesting six months.

Piss off Kenwright

Martinez whooa
Martinez whooa
He comes from Wigan Town
Won a Cup then took them down
Martinez whooa

Frank if you love Gollum so much go with him, 11 years and won fuck all, Rubber Toe hasn't managed a bleeding friendly yet, new players, who knows?

Time will tell. My only hope is that a few of the players (not defenders) fancy a crack at it with us.

Kenwright has clearly done nothing this last month other than bend over backwards to curry favour with the smiling Spaniard. He's made no concerted effort to speak to Europe's top coaches - or to make the right appointment in some consultation with fans - as he said he would.

He's quite the wrong man to be entrusted with such a big task. Our stock was high, and blew it by appointing Relegation Roberto. We really have missed an enormous opportunity here.

Martinez will not thrive. He's not an 'Everton manager'. Do we really want a man who deserts sinking ships taking the helm?

If it all turns to a soggy paella we will know soon enough but improving us and getting it right might take a bit longer. Which makes next season WIP

How much Bill can throw in the pot will be as crucial as what he does with it.

I don't see McMananan as high on the list though, we have Coleman to do what he did to City.

At least it won't be a dreary dullfest like it was under DM. It's time to move on, Sean, you and all the other MIBS who are still in mourning.

As for Dave Whelan, he's a media dream. Expect more indiscretions from him in the next few days.

And who else told it was definitely this guy or that guy? inside knowledge and all that? "take it from me... you heard it here first" etc. You gotta laugh.

So, RoMa can do for us what he did for Wigan. Is that the FA Cup and the Championship?

Who's the cat that won't cop out
When there's danger all about
Roberto
Right on

IRWT

I've been looking at the Wigan squad sheets every game the last two seasons. Martinez is quite similar to Moyes in that he tends not to tamper too much with a first-choice eleven, sometimes resulting in underutilization of the potential of the bench. I hope he keeps our defence tight. We very rarely used to let in more than two goals a game during the Moyes reign, and that needs to continue.

FA cup next season?

Paul Dark, I want RM here. Wigan are finally back in the championship, but they aren't exactly a sinking ship. He has left them with a squad that can compete in that league and the club is in a solid financial state, with several assets they can sell of (MCArthur, McCarthy, McManaman, Kone and Maloney) if they choose to so their new boss can bring in his own players. They have European Football and a shiny FA Cup in the cabinet to cheer them up. Remember, this is Wigan we are talking about, not Newcastle or West Ham!

Seriously, cheer up mate. You never know, RM may actually do a good job. Only time will tell, but your pessimism is depressing!

Bj�rn-Ivar Pedersen (132): God help us all.....I am now officially putting my support for Everton on ice until further notice, lets just hope when I am back I am not finding a team fighting relegation in Championship. Good luck to you all, you will need it.

What a ------ A --- of the highest order. What bollocks.

Have concerns yes, that's expected and realistic, but here lads and lasses we have the footie nous of a disabled locust.

Fixtures out June 19th!

He'll have to be appointed first to featureI think. Definitely worth a bet though.

A disaster of an appointment. He's not Mark Hughes is the only positive here, and to be fair Hughes has never been relegated.

He's also clever enough to know his weaknesses (defence) so will surely enlist Weir, Stubbs, Neville etc to assist with this.

Good luck, Roberto – I hope his positivity can rub off on all Evertonians!

Just like to point out that you must missed a particular FA CUP quarter final this year; just like to point out hat you are spouting codswallops.

Good appointment, got a lot of time for him.

Should bring on the youngsters and get in a few gems + continue our recent move to attacking football.

Entertaining Everton.

I have supported Everton since early 60's so won't be going anywhere or putting my support on ice as Bjorn-Ivar is doing. So you and Bill would just jump in for a guy who won an FA Cup and that makes him better than David Moyes for some reason. I understand and know my football. Looks like you and your brigade got what you deserve.

One or two posts accepting of this appointment just because he allegedly turned down Liverpool. That's a great basis.

We are a top 6 team in the Premier League operating on a Championship budget and we could have done much much better than someone who has shown over the past four years, that he is a basement manager at best, with a kamikaze attitude to football.

Remember him whinging one week about Walcott diving for a penalty and whinging the following week when Maloney's dive didn't get a penalty at Goodison.

Martinez oh oh oh
Martinez oh oh oh
He turned down the shite
And now he's blue and white
Martinez oh oh oh

Rob Martinez is a blue is a blue
Rob Martinez is a blue is a blue
He hates kopites!

This nonsense about being a top six side but punching above our weight. We've not been operating on a Championship budget.

Our wage bill is double that of the top championship sides.

Moyes guiding Everton to top six isn't all that special. Why does everyone seem to think that everyone is richer than us? They aren't

We may actually be fun to watch.

We may actually go for it at Mordor.

We may actually let the younger kids play.

We may actually pull a muscle reaching for that brass ring.

I'm thrilled with this appointment and honestly can not understand the negativity.

We are good defensively, you don't need to do much there.

Bring McCarthy, Maloney, McManaman, Wanyama from Celtic, we will be happy.

And any kopites who have logged on here posting anti RM comments, just fuck right off please.

But certainly we should be mid table rather than bottom six, where we were pre Moyes. The latter helps to explain the praise he gets. And we would not have made it to tenth highest wage givers were it not for the money coming from the relative success of the past ten years.

No photograph of Ruburto holding a scarf aloft yet.

The source is Dave Whelan who convinced everyone RM was RS manager a year ago.

Kenwright is SILENT about this appointment so far.

So lets all just keep our powder dry. We're becoming like the mob in the Simpsons. How many 'done deals' have we seen in football, only for nothing to transpire? I bet Whelan has been pestering Kenwright all week for an answer to possible compensation, in principle.

Anyway, I don't see why we can't all just cancel pre-season and just get on with the new season. I can't fucking wait!

I may actually have inoperable brain cancer next week.

I may actually get hit by a bus crossing the street.

I may actually see Jesus riding on a white horse out of the clouds in 5 minutes.

Yes, there's a ying and yang to everything. Correct.

But minimally RM will give us a different, and inarguably more exciting approach. So I'm happy. Very happy. And it befuddles me how anyone can "gloom and doom" his appointment.

Kenwright has really created a rod for his own back with this appointment. He got lucky with Moyes and now believes his own hype. The hubris (and downright inadequacy/stupidity) of the man is limitless.

It is a lazy and unimaginative appointment.

I am very happy its not an internal, and as well that he seems a decent guy, I really could not have imagine myself getting behind a team that has somebody like Sam the bung at the helm.

Imagine the irony for Rodgers and the Liverpool board if he has us out perform them.
Touch wood, we should welcome him.

He will bring a more attacking style of football to Goodison and we will get to see whether our consistent top 8 finishes were achieved purely because of the strong defence minded tactics of Moyesy or whether it could have been achieved with more flair to spare

I know you probably don't give a toss about my opinion of your comments, but I applaud you and every other Evertonian who feels trepidation about RM, but gets behind him.

Respect that for what it's worth. And from all I've read posted by you I'd expect nothing less.

"The season before Martinez arrived in June 2009, the Latics had actually finished 11th with 45 points — 11 above the drop zone. In fact, the only time they were involved in a genuine relegation battle in their first four seasons in the top flight was in 2006–07, when they finished 17th, staying up on goal difference over Sheffield United.

They had finished 10th in their first year among the big boys and, after dicing with death the following season, they improved to 14th in 2007-08 and continued the upward trend before Steve Bruce quit and Martinez came in. In Wigan’s first four years as a Premier League outfit, they managed 47 victories from their 152 matches, a win ratio of just over 30 per cent. Under Martinez, that figure dropped to 38 victories from 152 — a win ratio of just 25 per cent.

"And while Martinez’s teams are justifiably praised for their slick passing game, Toffees supporters will be particularly concerned by his failure to find a remedy for Wigan’s glaring defensive shortcomings.
In his first season in charge they conceded an alarming 79 goals — an average of more than two a game — and their goal difference of minus 42 was the worst in the division.

"After a couple of seasons in which they let in ‘only’ 61 and 62 goals, they were a soft touch again as they stumbled towards the relegation trapdoor. The 73 goals they conceded this season was the joint worst in the top flight along with Reading — and was 13 more than bottom club Queens Park Rangers. OK, Wigan were particularly hard hit by injuries to defenders, with key men Antolin Alcaraz and Ivan Ramis missing most of the campaign. But in crucial matches towards the end of the season — such as their 3-2 home defeat against Swansea and the costly 2–2 home draw with Tottenham — the Latics looked almost clueless at the back. In their last six league games when fighting for their lives, they had 15 goals scored against them. So it is no wonder they failed to avoid the drop."

We got what we deserve.

I feel....mixed feelings.

On one hand, Roberto seems likes a genuinely likeable man with integrity. He favours good football. He's young. He's capable of getting great performances from his team. He's won a cup.

On the other hand, he's also capable of getting terrible performances from his team. His Wigan never outperformed in the league, by that I mean they never finished much above where they sat in the wage/transfer tables. His hair is thinning a bit.

There are others I might have preferred but I feel optimistic that with a little luck this might be a great long term appointment. Welcome and best of luck Roberto.

ps

People who think he will be bringing Mcmanaman etc with him, it won't be that easy!! Can see both McCarthy and McManaman being priced at £10m+ by Whelan.

Martinez has won something on a real budget with virtually a non league team who have no home advantage whatsoever. He plays great football, can recognize good players with pace and technical ability, and finally gives us hope of not being afraid.

The RS are hating this by the way, we've got the real deal and they've got the poor imitation.

Hope and entertainment, flair football played without fear by better players built on a sound defence, yet so many would prefer the Groundhog Day of another Moyes or Moyes-type season under Weir or Stubbs!? Seriously, get a grip.

In response to regrettable and somewhat premature reports earlier this evening, Everton Football Club are continuing discussions with regards to the vacant managerial position.

Whilst positive moves are being made, the Club will officially announce details as and only when they are agreed and completed.

What the fucks going on??????????

What was Wigan's net spend pre-Martinez in the top flight? What was Martinez' net spend during his time in charge?

He fielded an entire team that cost less than Felliani and won an FA Cup.

The choice has been made. Live with it. No need now to dreg up the past like this, never mind that I (and others more qualified) could do a pretty good job to put this silly post in a much better light.

Nervous but interesting times ahead.

Announcement on the EFC website:

In response to regrettable and somewhat premature reports earlier this evening, Everton Football Club are continuing discussions with regards to the vacant managerial position.

Whilst positive moves are being made, the Club will officially announce details as and only when they are agreed and completed.

http://www.evertonfc.com/news/archive/2013/06/03/everton-statement

OMG as they say in modern parlance.

one... two.... three...

It's too much. Really is. Surely can't happen. Can it?

Only at Everton. sigh.

Would we have preferred an internal appointment...Stubbs, Irvine, Round, Pip...really?

In the UK, who's available or could be got....Pullis, Hughes, Poyet...come on, shite football or a probable lunatic when considering Poyet? Maybe Steve Clarke but WBA would have pushed for millions in compensation, I'd rather it went on players than a good coach with 1 good season as a manager.

Europe and the big names...do me a favour. No Euro football, realistically not millions to spend, perhaps not great English (a factor I guess) and Rangnick allegedly suggesting "I'll do it for a spell but need a deputy to shadow me!"

Martinez is well respected whether he is or isn't responsible for everything Wigan did well or didn't do well. RS and Villa defo went after him last year. He is likely to inherit a considerably better squad than he's had previously. We know he favours attacking, skilful football....so again, I am truly 100% behind him and yes there are better out there (Mourinho, Benitez?, Klopp) but there are many, many others who are considerably less appealing!!!

He'll do a great job, I have to believe that because as a blue, I want that.

This is down to him again.

I have this feeling of having just taken off the blindfold and seeing Bill pulling up his pants with a huge grin on his face.

Great to see so many sane, positive, welcoming quotes. An understandable nervousness about the relegation mixed with optimism about style and winning big games. Let's hope he learns from the former and builds on the latter. I'm obviously with those thinking he can do well but like every new appointee he may need time which requires patience from everyone.

Intrigued to learn who he may sign but I think we all expect Fellaini and Heitinga to go to create a kitty of sorts. No doubt some of Wigan's team may join which should add depth to the squad and lower the average age. It is also easy to imagine players like Coleman and Baines flourishing in a more flexible system.

Unimpressed by the second rate market trader running Wigan. This sort of thing should be handled carefully by those at the top.

They should be concentrating on the positives:
1) It could have been Pip.
2) A cultured man.
3) Will get along excellently with Bill.
4) Hoofball no more.
5) Turned down Liverpool.
6) Will not complain about a tight budget.
7) A loyal man who will not use the club as a stepping stone.
8) Got relegated, yes, but so did Wenger, Klopp, and Benitez.
9) Understands the ethos of the club.
10) Extensive international connections; will bring exciting players to the club.

Just wait tilll this guy gets talking. He is one of the few football managers whom it is a pleasure to listen to. It is very difficult not to like Martinez. Not a drab Moyes, not a pedantic Rodgers, not a grumpy Sir Alex, not a pouting Wenger, but a football manager who has something genuinely interesting to say. He probably ran circles and around Mr and Mrs Kenwright. Exciting times ahead.

My only Blarney Stone knowledge is definitely do not kiss it - I've been told the locals piss all over it.

And yes, I see BK pulling up those 50" wide trousers with that smug grin on his face while I pull off my blindfold.

At least at this particular point in time...

Either talks have broken down or Martinez's head has been turned by another club..

Brace yourselves for Neville with Stubbs as his assistant... Back to the "Dogs of War" days.

Whelan is a fool who is completely out of his depth.

We need a striker, sell Jelavic and Heitinga, and lets get Negredo in, though maybe Roberto has good contacts in La Liga, maybe he has other ideas,

More importantly, this ; "The appointment has already been well received by key members of Everton's dressing room"

Anyone wanna talk about baseball or hockey?

The thing that irritates me the most at the moment is the lack of loyalty being shown by our backroom staff who seem only too eager to jump ship. Just as loyal as players seem these days. I think if we didn't have Blue Bill we maybe as well re-name the team along with rebranding the badge.

2. Game of Thrones was heavy tonight. Reminds me of what an Everton AGM would be like. If we had them of course.

Roberto, not my first choice but I will support him and wish him the best.

BK, what more can I add than what has already been said about you, a true artist of theatre and showmanship, make 'em laugh make 'em smile, make 'em cry, make 'em beg for more.

Paulo H', surely you something to say? Like "sorry but I'am a WUM and an idiot".

.... and having agreed a compensation fee doesn't mean that he is the "chosen one", I would expect that all negotiations go on in parallel, better to pursue the multiple options at the same time so you know where you with respect to the financial aspects.

Am I clutching at straws?

He's also an RS reject.

The more excited amongst us have been let loose.

Our world is now thankfully divided once more.

Al Philby (222) - Judging by the reactions of the naysayers, one would think that armageddon is nigh. Some have gone so far as to withdraw their support of the club. The hysteria has high entertainment value for sure, but I also think it is important to let the members of the disillusioned camp give vent to their frustrations.

What codswallop gibberish is this?

'Naysayers'? 'The disillusioned camp'?

Camps already.

Utter stupidity but hey Philby fella don't let that stop you carving out your camps and divisions. Enjoy it, apparently you are: 'high entertainment value', nice one.

Your exaggerated and distorted bollocks is on the low side of low.

Example.

'Some have gone so far as to withdraw their support of the club'.

Not some Philby but one. Some is plural; one is singular. And a pretty singular fella Bjorn seems to be.

So, keep your little petty camps and divisions to one side for a while, there's a good chap. In fact, it seems that things might still be a little bit up in the air. So suspend your holy rants and raves and Berlin walls until we actually know what will happen.

I think he will be an exciting appointment. I also think (assuming it's correct) that Martinez will need some time to reshape a very defensive unit into a more positive one and we need to be realistic in our expectations that it will not happen overnight. I think he'll need a stabilizing season in which hopefully he can achieve Europa and then set his sights higher.

At least we should see a few more goals this season...

I reckon it'll still be RM though.

Usually when a team is relegated the manager is sacked but that was never going to be the case here. Whelan new what a good manager he had and new about the meagre resources available to that manager. So get off his back and support him. He is tailer made for a club in Evertons position. He has a excellent record in finding very good players for little money and that's something that is invaluable to a club like Everton. He has as good a chance as any manager of being a success here and I for one feel confident in his likely appointment.

Bring Kone, McCarthy and the big goalkeeper. Don't want Macmanaman. Too small.

Beware of the MOB.

"Whilst positive moves are being made, the Club will officially announce details as and only when they are agreed and completed."

This seems to be the normal manner of procedure as far as I can see. The club has been overwhelmed by the enquiries from the media and it is perfectly natural for them not to confirm the deal before it has been formalised. The "regrettable" rebuke is most likely aimed at Whelan. I am not bothered.

I might be wrong but I think its finally done after all, the OS statement is just telling Whelan to sit down and shut up. What a prize twat that man is.

As for Roberto - the main reason he's got the job, assuming he has, is he can work on a budget. He can sell one player and bring in three - which means BK and the boys don't have to put a penny in or sell their shares on the cheap.

By all accounts Martinez is all about structuring the club from top to bottom, building a long term legacy etc etc which is great, because again I doubt BK has a clue about this, so another tick for RM.

I reckon Kenwright also knows many of us are bored to tears with style of football, very little excitement etc and is willing to RM a punt. I reckon Kenwright himself if bored shitless of it too and has thought 'fuck it, this lot are going to have me out soon I might as well get some kicks while I can".

Finally, he wasn't free but in the greater scheme of things (comp / wages / kitty) he was relatively cheap. Plus we don't have to relocate him and Im pretty sure he will 'support his Chairman' too.

Arise Roberto. If it is you you have my total support - providing you essentially do one thing, and one thing only:

'Go at 'em.'

IMWT.

I'll give him 10 matches and them I'll be joining the MOBs or supporting Utd. Well done Bill... of course he 'listened to the fans' so can wash his hands of any blame... JESUS FUCKING CHRISTMAS!

We have obviously agreed a fee for RM regarding compensation but for the deal to go ahead, we might need RM to agree to a few things. Leaving the ball in his court. We might have asked him to work with one of our back room defenders instead of him bringing his own number 2. It's probably what I would have wanted.
Stubbs, Neville or Weir?

Just a thought.

For your info, I was a fan of Moyes but had come to the realisation some time back that it was time for a change and in the interests of both parties. I was never a fully paid up member of either IMWT or MOB.

Martinez leaves me underwhelmed. I just don't get the media love-in with him. I don't buy the argument that he is the next big thing. Yeah, he won the FA Cup which Moyes failed to achieve. But then again so did Bobby Gould once and before him John Sillett – does that make them better that Moyes?? I would argue that it doesn't. I'll give Martinez time to succeed but just can't see it happening. He strikes me as someone suited to a small club like Wigan or Swansea as opposed to those with higher ambitions/expectations.

My choice was Phil Neville. I know it would've been a massive gamble but I just think he is someone who will make the switch from player to manager with ease and, despite what many on here say, he is a well respected professional who I think would've been a good appointment. I don't however believe for a second your spurious claim that he was "offered" the job as I firmly believe he was offered it he would take it in a heartbeat!!

How (1) was Moyes allowed to drift for so long on contract talks without someone will balls telling him to nail it down and (2) why is he still on our pay-roll when he spent today - we all know this - spending most of the day thinking about manure?

Sorry, old chestnuts I know, but Teary Billy has turned us into a laughing stock from which we will recover with no thanks to him.

And now this, what is in effect a delaying-tactic or denial (choose) that continues to make us look not just a manure poodle but a very poorly administered operation.

Martinez, whoever, I'll back you until the point you show that you no longer deserve it, but I'm so sorry mate that you will have to work hand-in-hand and day-in-and-day-out with an utter gobshite of a chairman.

Always thought Scandanavians loved a thrill.

Let's face it, I think Martinez hit the ceiling with Latics just like Moyes did with us (no money in the pot).

I lived 35 years of my life in Wigan but a lifelong Evertonian and it is truly a Rugby town. The football support is absolutely shocking. How they have remained in the Premier League the last 3-4 years with such poor support is beyond me. I can only attribute this to Martinez.

So let's get behind him and show him what real football supporters are like. We are the ones who dictate what happens at our club. COYB!

If he doesn't think EFC is good enough, then refuse to discuss compensation and refuse to accept RM's wish to leave. Hold him to his contract, but please don't look down your nose and try to humiliate and degrade EFC. If you are happy to accept the money, then keep your mouth shut.

On the one hand Martinez is a progressive manager who applies himself totally to the job and brings the promise of more exciting football. On the other hand none of us can dismiss the concerns of those who have anxiety over his win ratio at Wigan which lead eventually to their relegation.

To try an put the relegation issue in some sort of perspective I would refer back to the post from Robert #080 which is actually a bit of an eye opener. Cleverer men than us have said that it's from our failures that we learn the most and that seems to be endorsed by Robert's post.

If that statement about learning from failures is true, and I' m sure many of us believe it is, then it will be a wiser and less naive Martinez who takes over at Everton.

I think it's also right to recognise that he arrived at Wigan at the worst possible time. JJB Sports has just gone down the pan and Martinez was told to trim the wage bill by 20%. I'm not convicted that many managers would have done that much better.

The bottom line is that none of can no for sure how any new manager will perform. But from what I have read above most will get behind him and for those who think we've entered in to some sort of doomsday scenario I suggest you sleep on it!

We may just be at the dawn of an exciting new era that will surprise and lift us all.
A Champions League place may well beckon for the those who play without fear and a defensive discipline !

Sin miendo!

If Martinez can do half as well as Chapman, and stay with us, we'll do just fine, thank you very much. :)

Come On Pilgrims.

That being said I'm right behind Martinez (assuming he gets the nod) and look forward to some classy football at Goodison next year. IMWT

Maybe we should all chill a bit until a proper announcement is made.

Guys, this is a an exciting day. Assuming contract terms are agreed, we have landed our first choice candidate for the man to take Everton forward for the next five years. And he's become our first choice not on the whim of some billionaire owner, but following a thorough and professional selection process which puts the likes of Stoke and Man City to shame. Kenwright has listened to Moyes, he's listened to the fans. Most importantly, he's judged the character of the candidates and listened to their ideas. And Martinez has been chosen with one thing in mind : to bring even greater success to Everton football club. Martinez is young, ambitious and full of ideas. I reckon there'll be more exciting days ahead.

Go to bed now, there's a good chap

Somethings afoot I tell you.

Hello Mark Stone by the way, great to see you on the board! :)

I'm off now folks, hopefully a bright new dawn awaits....?

COYB.

That would be nice, Doddy!

If you ask me BK should have already had done these negotiations with RM and had the contract ready and then finalized the compo with Whelan.

Our exalted leader is a fucking moron.

Ian 00.27

The badge and now this, we, him and our club have become a laughing stock because of his clueless behaviour.

I'm now worried by the tone of that statement that they think the deal might not go through?

I thought we talking about the impending failure of the Martinez deal at the hand of useless Billy. Having said that though I'll have a pint of whatever you two are having and join the party!

Why didn't BK have all this ironed out and the RM contract ready before approaching Whelan for what should be a formality.

BK has interviewed RM twice and had plenty of time?

As I said in an above comment, the paperwork for RM should have been sorted out for RM to sign and thus going to Whelan and agreeing compo would have been the signal for RM to sign.

BK has had 2 meetings with RM and plenty of time to sort this out?

"Martínez has spent four years in the top flight with Wigan, finishing 16th, 16th, 15th and finally 18th last season while overhauling the club's financial position from being dependent on Whelan to making a profit last term. He has won 38 of 152 games in the top flight, a win ratio of 25%."

Maybe those of us concerned about Martinez taking Wigan down hadn't considered these facts. Had he not had to slash the wage bill by a quarter and turn the club into profit, he might have had a better chance. Let's hope if he does come here he gets to work under more favourable circumstances - i.e. please don't let it be the case that BK is bringing him to Goodison to oversee some sort of austerity plan!

"Nobody will know you're a fool until you open your mouth."

At no point did I say I would not get behind him, and why am I the pain in the ass when so many others have said they don't believe he is the right appointment?

I was also one of the people who thought Coleman couldn't defend and I am delighted to have been proved wrong. If Martinez comes, I will support him wholeheartedly, stand up and cheer him and wish him luck, it is the club I support. My preference at this moment is not Martinez and I can express this as much as I want, as you can express that you want him. There is nothing disrespectful in my attitude towards him or you. My reasons for disputing what you said about him not being sacked hold true.... and until you have proof, you can't say I'm talking shite.... and I will not say you are talking shite either....just that I disagree with you....

Hugs and kisses

No idea what I would hope for next season though, I mean would 10th be an achievement? I have seen 7th as par for us but is that a bit hard a target? Hardly a summer of possibilities.

As for Wigan players, McCarthy and Mcmanaman would be interesting, not too fussed about Kone. Anyway, will wait and see, may end up being Mick McCarthy at this rate.

The whole thing is exciting but also quite scary. Let's hope the new boss is a winner.

Now My fellow EVERTONIANS
Just wait and see

Whelan is a fucking clown who makes Kenwright look professional. The man just cannot keep his gob shut.

I am not blaming anyone here just yet but I knew I should've kept my grid shut until RM was on the back of the Echo with his scarf... It's not another Leroy Fer moment is it?

Well, if Martinez can work the same magic on the likes of Duffy, Velios and Barkley he did on McManaman, we're all going to be in for a treat.

Looking forward to some joined up attacking football either way..

Big day today. Looks like TW is going to as divided as ever, hopefully RM can get some wins under his belt and bring us together!

The real kicker is if Martinez can get some traction, get the internationals available to him now playing with some panache and winning then GP will do the rest.

Wigans average attendance was 19k last season, ours was almost double at 36k. It can work both ways but if we can get behind the team we could really put a spark back into the club.

The big difference between him and Moyes is that he takes chances a lot more than Moyes. That is why we will find it hard to adapt to Martinez. He simply cannot deliver stable results, and in the end that is the difference between them.

I have no doubt that he will drown the fear of the top 4 stadiums and perform much better there then Moyes did. After all, that is the area we need improving. Also, we need to kill off teams that are weaker than us by scoring more than one goal. The draws we had this season must be among the highest I have ever seen, and that is also an area Martinez can improve.

I think he needs at least one season to get the squad he wants, including some of our youngsters. I hope Barkley, Vellios and McAleny get lots of chances to play for the first team, they all have decent potential and Martinez can make them blossom further.

For those feeling trepidation but still prepared to offer him all of your support good on ya and the happiness thing to you too.

For those of you that have already given up on the club and decided that we are definitely getting relegated, either get a little bit of light in your life or just slit your wrists. It must be horrible being so negative all of the time.

More patience required. And I am fine with that. I do not think Everton have handled this badly at all (at least not yet). Whelan on the other hand.......

Can't believe a comment on another thread that Stoke have handled their manager appointment well. I find their approach (and final appointment) completely astonishing. We are at least interviewing quality (and in work) candidates and not rushing it.

We don't if it a done deal yet kenwright could be covering all bases (I Hope)

Whelan is like the grandad that you stick in a home because he has lost his marbles...and keeps putting the cat in the frigde

If Martinez comes I will not be happy but I will back him. However if he starts bringing players from wigan he can fuck right off. they were not good enough at wigan so they will not be good enough at everton.

The brief for this appointment isn't "Premier League survival" like it was when Moyes was appointed all those years ago. We need to be aiming higher.

Or are you suggesting Moyes underachieved?

This is where the trouble arises. Instead of letting things progress onto contract discussions with Martinez, Whelan has mouthed off and the press has jumped the gun. I expect Bill will be negotiating a deal over the next few days and then the club will make an official announcement. We have seen this many times over the years with our transfers. One notable exception was the Leroy Fer fiasco, and I think Kenwright is, sensibly, keeping tight lipped until it is all signed.

In my opinion this is the professional way to conduct your business and we will just have to remain patient. The outcome will be the same, Roberto Martinez will be the new Everton manager.

I would have thought that we make progress is the minimum expectation. Any progress and we compete for the CL.

Get it over and done with mate and lets move on. We've got more important items to focus our attention to i.e. next seasons prep! Leggo BK!

So it follows our choices are limited and beggars can't be choosers, it would have been great if we could have produced a rabbit out of the hat with an exotic name from Europe but again our financial constraints limit us to those who are available and if they did venture to the PL, they would be only here in order to enhance their own CV and would probably jump ship as soon as a better job came along.

So Although RM is far from perfect he is on reflection the best we could hope for, he is the right age, he is a student of the game and he appears to be the right type of person to manage Everton FC. Let's hope if he signs that he has a long and rewarding career with our club.

As it happens, I don't think he HAS chosen the right man - but he has at least chosen the right man in his mind (and the minds of many Evertonians, it seems). I've expressed my concerns on here before: his league record at Wigan is appalling and his inability to address defensive weakness in 4 years is shocking, even given the financial constraints. The regular spankings his side has received in the league betray huge tactical naivety and for a man who has managed for so many years, this is startling and worrying.

That said, he now has my full support. I of course hope he proves me wrong.

Only at Everton!

Hilarious :-)

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Sounds like you just need to varnish your cache server mate. Ronseal will do the job.

My cache server is fine, it's Everton's that's gone all iffy!

I love how Everton stumble around and fuck things up when it comes to transfers & so on. We really are entertaining.

I can just see BK sat there cross legged, chanting for his new manager to show himself....

Surely that conversation must have taken place....

Never. Gonna. Happen.

When the compo deal was finalized with Whelan last night, BK could have instantly turned to RM and said: "Sign here Bobby and then you're one of us".

Panto Billy, his badge and now this, I can't imagine what's next? The deal falls through and we end up with a Pulis/Big Dunc dream team?

He may have a budget to get the manager which is eaten into in RM's case with the compensation.
A collective chill pill is needed.

He hasn't got a clue. All his criteria for finding the right manager are connected with lovey-dovey cuddliness rather than doing what's best for the club. He shouldn't be allowed anywhere near being in charge of this appointment.

Kenwright and Martinez deserve each other.

If we are struggling to raise £1.5m for the compo, then the game is up, we can't buy players?

He's had 4 years to watch his progress and I believe knew what he wanted all along, but was playing the field.

Even if he genuinely wasn't sure of his choice, he still could have drawn up a contract and asked RM, "Will this be OK in the event we do choose you?" RM may alter what he wants and they come to an agreement. BK tells him, "You haven't got the job yet but this contract is in place and we'll let you know soon."

I won't need the chill pill mate, I'm perfectly calm and collected and as you've just seen capable of thinking things through, even if it is in retrospect.

Big and successful companies try to anticipate all they can; BK closes his eyes and hopes for the best.

The chill pill comment wasn't aimed at you, more in general and I never said you can't think things through.

I'm no BK admirer but I think in this case he's done fuck all wrong but a certain selection of TW readers/contributors take what's in the media or their anti-BK minds and decide that things are being done wrong.

Not who I would have gone with but I shall give RM a clean slate and from here on in only extenuate the positives.

He's not a Brit, which is excellent.

He's not Mark Hughes, which is fucking fantastic.

He is young, hungry, intelligent, dedicated to attacking football and is a bit of a media darling. I can't wait to see what he does with a quality squad and a few extra quid to play with.

IMWT

To the people saying they're glad it's over....errr.... as far as I can tell, it isn't over yet.

It may well be that BK agreed the compensation with Whelan, but that's not the same thing as agreeing a deal for Martinez.

Could it not be simply that the compensation deal was agreed in principal, as per Dave Whelan's comments, which the media then reported as being a done deal, but in fact it was merely a principal agreement that 'could' lead to a job offer?

Perhaps BK was simply ironing out the compensation deal, in case he wanted to offer Martinez the job.

Not the same thing as actually offering him the job, but getting the compensation claim sorted out, in case they went ahead and offered it - this might have been put in place as a backup because someone else was going to be offered the job, hence the backtrack on the OS?

Nobody has at any stage said Martinez has been offered the job - only that compensation has been agreed with Whelan.

Two very different things, to my mind.

It may seem harsh but surely you want a new manager to better the performance of the old manager? Otherwise what's the point? He'll have the benefit of the doubt from me (for all it matters!) for a couple of seasons but after that if he's not an improvement then why was he chosen? My opinion would be no different regardless of who the new appointment is.

Well that's that then !

It's only us poor underlings that suffer the shit

My only wish for Martinez was that he had gone to that other team across the park. Please, the fans who are pro Martinez listen to yourselves do we really want him in charge next season and beyond?

We have a totally unique football team here like nowhere in the UK and possibly the world we are ELITE.

Now Gavin, say sorry to Frank, Frank say sorry to Gavin and we can all learn to get along.

Mr Moyes isn't with us any more, so let's move along and start hating the new bloke.

Whoever he is.

Group hug?

Not exactly touting us for relegation, is he?

And regarding RM signing Wigan players: "There is no agreement. It is unfair and I don't believe in anything like that," Whelan told Press Association Sport. "If Everton want to sign any of our players, for the right amount of money, we will consider it."

Very nice of him!

I don't see how it will take another 48hrs if both parties are in agreement, but hey this is Everton and nothing is certain. The only other situation I can see causing a delay is that BK will announce his tenure at the club is at an end and he is putting someone else in charge - fat chance of that one happening.

Perhaps BK wants HobNobs and Roberto wants Paella but they simply cannot agree or compromise?

Just because Whelan has opened his giant gob, doesn't mean the deal is anywhere near done.

Why release a statement denying that Martinez has been selected? Why? If he isn't yet, then don't say anything at all - why deny it and risk the type of comment in today's Guardian stating that '[the article]...prompted a pointed and unusual response from Everton, who insisted the deal was not yet done."

Just how completely stupid will EFC look now if Martinez is chosen as the new manager? What did EFC hope to achieve with this?

Altogether, YET ANOTHER own goal for the Board and its minions.

As you say, Rupert, what a balls up!

Absolutely hilarious comment.

I see now that the press statement issued yesterday has been removed from the front page and confined to the archives. I guess they realised that it defeated the purpose of quelling the media rumours. Dave Whelan is now completely of control.
Just what is it that this guy intends to achieve?

Personally I find the whole debacle hilarious :-)

"I've had over 30 people applying for the job but I've not been able to interview anybody yet because of the agreement over compensation for Roberto," Whelan said. "I can get on with that now but first I'm going to Jersey for a few days because I promised to show the FA Cup off if we won it."

Whelan is gaff prone and perhaps a little too honest. Big deal ( Actually I prefer it that way, keeps us mere mortals in the loop as it were).

Kenwright hasn't picked the manager I would have chosen but I've moved on.

No amount of squealing to the contrary is going to change things, so for me the time has come to back the King-elect.

When this selection is finally announced, where will Whelan go to satiate his attention-seeking? Perhaps he could go on, "I'm a C List Celebrity, get me out of here."

Ironic?

BetVictor offering 500-1 on Bielsa

BetFair 949 - 1

I'll offer 1,000,000-1 and if at his press conference he rips off his rubber mask to reveal himself as Elvis I'll throw in a New Badge T-Shirt.

Is it too much for us to ask this media-courting pie-shoveler, the opportunity to announce our own new manager before he gets to?

Also, any moron who (hilariously) uses the term: 'Rubber Toe,' when describing Martinez, needs to a) grow some pubes...b) piss-off to Blue Kipper...(where they'll inundate you with 'Lol's,' and think you're a comic-genius).

Anyone who prefers pretty football over results, is off their rocker.

Thank You!

Whelan has no need to provide a commentary on what he think's is going on. It is our call. Comments like "Everton not big enough"," I think Everton is the next stop of Roberto before he goes to the very, very top" have also got on my nerves.

Go on Bill - tell him to stick his compensation!

We obviously won't be in a relegation dog fight and yes he will do much better defensively than he did at Wigan as he has much much better players. The huge positive is that tactically he will set us up to beat all teams in cup matches regardless of their standing and also – and this one is really important – he will give the players a massive self-belief in their own abilities to win those key matches, something I've always felt has been lacking.

Professor Lord Sir Howard and Sir Neville against.

I rest my/the case.

Have any of you seen his blithe interview after relegation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqN78KeAsfs

Be scared, be very scared of Relegation Roberto.

The press are reporting that West Ham had a £14.5m bid for Negredo turned down, so they might not be looking to make Carroll permanent. All that said, I can't see them selling him to us! There are also better strikers out there we should be looking at, but who knows in football!

Out-thought city in the final? Did you watch it? City just didn't turn up. There was no tactical nouse required.

To consider that Martinez somehow out-foxed mancini (who with inter won 17 games in a row in serie A that went down in european history) is quite frankly laughable.

I'll get behind martinez if he is appointed our manager. But let's not make him out to be the messiah. He ended up relegated, and spent most of his other 3 seasons in the bottom 4. And as for the "league title" that sometimes crops up; it was Division 1. Please. People like holloway and jewell have a better lower-league history than that.

I seriously hope we now don't recruit any wigan players, as seems to the ridiculous norm with new managers and their old clubs. They got relegated, we should be aiming for top 6.

I can't over emphasise the fact that it was Wigan who got relegated. Wigan!!! Not Newcastle United or West Ham, but little Wigan with a squad costing less than we paid for Fellaini!

It would certainly remove the appalling anomaly of Everton having no No. 9; whether Martinez would want to play with an old-style centre-forward or a target man is another matter.

And the way in which they got relegated was terrible. When the injuries to defensive players bit he didn't change his short-term thinking (eg. shut up shop, stay solid and avoid conceding until those players returned).

It's all very well sticking to your passing principles, but if they are patently unsuccessful...

(And the Cup win, laudable though it is, does not invalidate this point.)

City didn't turn up? Maybe metaphorically but in reality they've beaten good sides this year playing in first gear. That was Citys last chance to salvage their season. They stressed that enough before the final.

But credit where its due Wigan were fantastic and earned that win. Nothing was on a plate and they gave City no opportunity to settle. I wish EFC could win more big games with no "tactical nouse" required

we did several times against the top 4.

Even a broken clock is right twice a day.

"To consider Martinez outfoxed Mancini is laughable"
Did you laugh when Martinez outfoxed Moyes in the cup game?

http://footyscene.com/how-do-you-solve-a-problem-like-nikica-Jelavic-a-tactical-blueprint-by-chris-morris/?

If you call one-off-a-season defensive blunders and a wonder strike out-foxing...fill your boots.

Even neutrals say that if you ran that game again, wigan would never end up 3 up.

But hey, if you want to beat that stick go ahead. Our dogs of war team won the cup when they weren't that good. I don't think you can claim that royle was the messiah and out-foxed everyone. Sometimes the cookie crumbles your way, and sometimes it doesnt. To win the FA Cup takes either the rub of the green throughout the tournament, or you have to be one of the best teams around (as shown by the top 4 winning it 90% of recent 12 years). I don't think you can claim wigan were one of the best teams around. Thus...

What amazes me is people who DON'T think Martinez will tamper with the defence. Of course he will!

Martinez likes three at the back. Martinez likes wing backs. Martinez may choose to mark man to man where Moyes used zonal and vice versa. Martinez may choose to leave men up for corners.

Great individuals don't make a great defence. It's all about organisation and communication, combined with that ability. The players may well know how to play together - but when RM completely changes the team mentality and formation, it is going to be an entirely new learning curve.

Obvious really.

These people are not Evertonians I honestly think Rat Boy is more liked,than Martinez. I hope he reads ToffeeWeb and says fuck you.

Then you will get what you deserve Pip or Stubbs.

Give the man a chance get behind him ffs...

And when the January transfer window comes and you don't manage to get the players you wanted, but it was a very close run thing on deadline day (right up to midnight!), just give us wink and we'll know the score.

This as you will find out is most typical of how our club operates.

Ah well sigh, sigh and sighs again.

Just maybe a decision hasn't been made just yet!

Just think, would you if you were deciding between, shall we say three managers, one without a club, another internal and the last employed wouldn’t you talk to the employers of said manager about compensation before you made your mind up, I know I would!!

Micheal, this is BK we're talking about, did you see him on Sky news when the Moyes going to ManU story broke, he was choking back the tears, I just wanted to slap his face and tell him to get a grip.

He's either found some cynicism within himself that enables him to play the field while negotiating with RM or he really is clueless and could not prepare a contract for RM while in negotiation with him that he could sign the moment Whelan agreed the compo.

I suspect he's clueless, he really doesn't know his elbow from his arse and that's why we're all in a state (including poor Roberto) of either rage or depression.

The Kirby fiasco, the Leroy Fer transfer, the badge and now this, it's really too much take in one lifetime.

Where did I say that I wasn't behind the incoming manager?

You implied that the solid defence created by Moyes would still be solid under Martinez. My point was that you can't possibly say that when the two have a completely different approach to the game.

Ian @ 632

This is an Everton forum - people come here to discuss the the past, present and future of Everton. Some people like the new man, some people don't and some, like me, have our reservations but are willing to give him every chance.

Of course Martinez's defensive frailties and recent relegation are a massive concern! If the man himself doesn't know that then we are in a steaming pile of trouble. If BK hasn't asked him about that then what the hell have they talked about in these meetings?

Come on - surely we're allowed to air a few Everton related concerns on an Everton forum.

Every rational person is shitting their pants.

However, I will embrace him and support him with every ounce of my soul.

The most interesting part of the article is the change of role suggested for Jelavic. Moyes tactics were effective for keeping our formation tight and opening up space for the midfielders to exploit, but Jelavic is a poacher, not a workhorse, and his pitiful goal tally this year shows he was not suited to the role he was asked to preform.

Personally, I would like to see us play a 4-4-2 with Anichebe providing the muscle and Jelavic free to find good positions to attack the balls coming in from out wide. 4-5-1 made us hard to beat, but it was frustrating to watch at times.

"If you call one-off-a-season defensive blunders and a wonder strike out-foxing...fill your boots."

Exactly. It seems that people are so eager to extrapolate from one match. I wonder whether those supporting this appointment would have been so keen, had Wigan not won the Cup.

The first 10 or so games are vital. If we get dragged into the bottom half, the pressure will mount, and the football will suffer. Come on Blue Boys

Spot on mate none of know much about anything when it comes down to it, all we can do is get behind, I have good gut feeling about him!

Wouldn't surprise me if that is what is going on. Whelan could be trying to add pressure on a decision and get cracking on his own managerial search.

Thinking there may be another twist yet. Especially as there are reports coming out of Portugal suggesting that Pereira is leaving Porto.

Now you are just making things up. That's the trouble with the Internet it is very easy to disprove bullshit.

Moyes win % 44.02
Martinez win % 37.87

Matt Le Tiisier - Well if that's the case how did he get them relegated if they have their best ever team

I thank you

Martinez tactics meant his team averaged a goal a game whilst conceding 2.5, never got them out of the bottom 5 or 6 in 3 seasons and last season got them relegated

FACT

I thank you

Brilliant.

That would have never happened under the last fella..... oh, hang on a minute....

Check this article:

http://www.ojogo.pt/Futebol/1a_liga/Porto/interior.aspx?content_id=3256524

Bill's plot thickens again!

How do you solve a problem like Nikica Jelavic? : A tactical blueprint by Chris Morris

Excellent.

COYB

That's 5 games a season, not exactly insurmountable given all the extra resources at his disposal.

Let's face it, two reserves in Heitinga & Neville were clearing over £100k a week. That's wages for 4 Wigan first teamers!

Not even clicking the link. Ojogo are the most reputable source around so I think we can pretty much say that Periera is the new Everton manager.

Wilkommen monsieur Periera!

I hope so. Have been banging on about him for a while. Thought that it was all over yesterday but there may still be hope!!!!!

Don't believe what you read in the papers. My stats are correct.

Moyes has a better record overall than Martinez. That doesn't mean he is better, the beauty is we are going to find out.

Moyes was afforded 11 years of mostly shithouse alehouse football without so much as a murmour from quite a lot of you on here. Why can't change be embraced? Why must so many of you act like Moyes used to act with the Knife to Gunfight mentality? We are EFC we should be playing good footy and entertaining the fans — not just trying to cling on for dear life.

Maybe Roberto is just the man to push this decent squad even further than many of you believe possible. I certainly believe Martinez will give us that little bit of zest we so obviously lacked through the Moyes years. What is the point of football and going the match when you have the Moyes attitude? Acting like the small fry who are just happy to be swimming with the big fish. I want Everton to play in a style we can be proud of with youngsters given a proper chance and a manager who has a real Evertonian mindset.

Roberto Martinez could be anything we want him to be. Once he gets caught up in the Everton way who knows what he could achieve... FFS give the lad a chance why don't you?

After a run of good form, the result alone showed our board who our next boss was going to be. I honestly believe none of the foreign coaches were ever approached for the post, more smoke & mirrors from Bullshitter Bill; start praying now, Blues!

Added together that is a more reflective statistic. Twenty two extra points a season for starters.

Martinez will have us mid-table by Christmas and back to scrapping like Mike Walker in the longer-term.

How anyone can enthuse about a manager who continually skimmed the pond, then finally sunk, as being someone Everton should aspire just makes no sense to me.

An apparently lovely man, but he'd be out-of-his-depth here.

Why not enthuse about a man who is lively, spirited, widely regarded as talented - and not state the future as if it is an inevitable fact

Using the same hugely flawed logic, Man Utd will finish ten points outside Champions League places, not even qualify for Europe and become trophy-less for the next 11 years.

I thought our "supporters" were a bit more intelligent than that. It's disappointing to discover that this is not the case.

Anyway martinez hasn't actually been appointed yet so people can chill out a bit untill first we get a manager, and secondly till we are actually in trouble

Moyes will win the Title but we will end up the same as Wigan?!?!?

You really have to have attended the JJB and G.P. to realise the gulf between the two sides.

It wasn't like a normal P.L. game at their ground, we made more noise than any of their stands in full voice. I would compare them to a League One side similar to Swansea at the time.

Trying to make comparisons between us & Wigan is only revealing posters lack of footballing knowledge, and frankly, it's embarrassing.

110 years in the top flight. Say no more.

The offenders will then be snatched from their beds in dawn raids and taken to an underground compound at Finch Farm where they will be deprived of sleep and forced to watch the 5-0 derby defeat of 1982 and episodes of that LFC documentary on a loop until they admit their crimes. Those that fail to confess will be buried under the gymnasium floor after being flogged to death by Robert Elstone.

James I appreciate where you are coming from but there have been plenty of interesting discussions relating to all manner of topics yet many of those who have posted in recent days have not bothered to indulge. It is only a theory on my behalf but it does make me wonder if there is indeed a hidden agenda, don't forget that the club is still smarting from the 22,0000 people registering there disapproval about the badge.

They must read it though. Not sure all the players and coaches etc would bother, but 'da management' all seem pretty paranoid judging by the leaked Rossgate e-mails and they would be looking to gauge opinion quite frequently I would say.

Stop this RD and your surveys of the Wigan population.

All we know is that at some point in the next 3 days/weeks/months/years Teary Billy will pick our next gaffer and at this precise point in time it is most likely to be RM.

Roberto Martinez 1/50 - Vitor Pereira 16/1 - Neil Lennon 25/1 - Alan Stubbs 25/1 - Ralf Rangnick 33/1 - Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 33/1 - Steve Clarke 40/1 - Michael Laudrup 50/1

We can still get a tasty seeming 150/1 on Puke Pullis, a lick-lipping 250/1 on Darren Ferguson, and, to cap it all, an erection raising 500/1 on good old Gary Megson 500/1.

Do they have betting shops in Freshy-land RD: if so, stick a sneaky quid on Megson.

Don't mention Stubbs again just because you might tempt fate mate. Like me, you are against this, I think?

You might be right and RM is playing off us and Malaga against each other which would be a huge mistake on his part. But, right now, I'm accommodating myself to and getting used to the idea of the Martinez era at my beloved blues/

Yes, folks - that's the sound of me falling back down to earth.

For the past few weeks I've been having some wonderful fantasies about Vítor and an exciting future for Everton, but now reality is coming back to bite.

If it is to be Martínez, then of course I will support him - but I can't help but feel that getting Martínez is like winning the cuddly toy instead of the Mercedes. It's nothing against him personally and I really hope he can help us to improve - just please don't bring any Wigan players.

...And no, I am not working for the club. I think people are just genuinely frustrated that having been constantly exposed to talk of glass windows and needing that little bit extra to break the top four we don't appear to be going for a manager who has the credentials to do that.

I have to agree with the posters who said that expecting Everton under Martinez to suddenly drop down to Wigan's level is like expecting Man Utd under Moyes to drop out of the European spots and not win a trophy for 11 years.

I can't guarantee that we will improve our league position under Martinez in the short term, but I'm certain we wont be scrapping for survival. In his first season I would like to see our style of play improve and RM show that he is capable of organizing a strong defence. Top eight and a good runs in the cups would be acceptable for me. After all, we finished sixth this year, but all that means is a bit more prize money and bragging rights over the RS. Even fifth seems like a booby prize, though I would have been very happy with Europa next season as I love the midweek games under floodlights!

Ultimately our aim must be to break into the top four, but if we have to spend a season of two building to the point where we are really ready to challenge then so be it. This year was our best opportunity but Moyes was far too cautious and these wins turned into draws. I hope Martinez will add the attacking belief we need to finish these kind of games!

Agree with almost everything you said.

Would like to say how about a bit of credit to BK who's had a lot of stick on TW lately. He has not rushed into a panic appointment but has taken time and effort to identify suitable candidates and then, apparently, thoroughly interviewed them. I must say that Pereira seemed attractive but I have never spoken to him or heard his plans for EFC: Bill has.

Yes, he may make an almighty mistake but we've all done that at some time or other. He's a true Evertonian and I don't think he would do anything that he thought wasn't in Everton's best interests. I've seen people in the past at the club who would.

You had the world at your feet, Bill, and you went to Wigan for a loser.

Silly, silly man

Paul, he never had the world at his feet, he doesn't have the money to have the world at his feet.

Were you one of those calling for Morinho to come to us?

There was limited number of decent managers who would come and BK did narrow it down to the better ones.

Who would you have liked? An internal appointment a Neville/Stubbs dream team, Sam Allardyce, Happy Harry, Steve Clarke etc.

The wasn't much left that we could afford or come to us, when you exclude that lot?

There is ZERO sense of Martinez building a dynasty, no sense of I came to do a job here at Wigan and I'll continue. If he does really badly, we might get relegated; if he does really well (unlikely), he'll be off somewhere else. He has a high self-regard and low achievement: a combustible and dangersous combination.

Whay do so many Everton fans think we deserve the dregs? If Swansea can get Laudrup, we can do so much better than the Smiling Spaniard, Relegation Roberto.

And, no, of course I don't think Mourinho would've come here. He is not the next level up from Martinez, please don't kid yourself. They are worlds apart.

Paul, you're not getting off that easy!

Read my previous answer and try to answer my question and not just slag off Martinez and BK. You're not contributing anything.

Please read and answer my 784 reply again.

BK will be negotiating with RM things like how many times he can go the bog during training sessions, he must profess to liking the new badge and agree to do all his transfer dealings 5 minutes to midnight on deadline day.

They're all minor things like the above, none of the very important.

I'm all for a bit of negativity and general doom-mongering but you're taking the biscuit.

There were far worse appointments that BK could have made.

And as for saying, 'if he does really well (unlikely), he'll be off somewhere else' - He's a young manager with lots to prove. What do you want? Someone like Pulis who has no ambition above his station. If Martinez does well over the next five years then that's great for Everton, surely.

My fear is that, when we get beat, which we will, discussion here will be 100% dominated by it being Martinez's fault as he can't defend.

http://cricfree.tv/sky-sports-news-live-stream.php

So let's go.

I tend to agree as I remember trying to choose (on TW) a manager from the 'available British manager' section.

Every time I went to click, I just... couldn't, took about 15 mins.

In the end I clicked on Reidy just to move on to the next section but I remember thinking 'hope we don't get any of those bums' (there appeared to be about 30 of them!)

I'd have gone for Pereira over Martinez but...who knows?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22750453

Maybe he will bring a better style of football, hope he does genuinely, but he's not here to do that. He's here to keep us hovering roughly where we are....maintain the status quo....and don't rock the boat too much.

He's Moyes with go-faster stripes....in Spanish. Martinez isn't the problem himself...the problem is the view of the club that his appointment suggests is prevalent at board level....that this is about as good as it gets. Disappointing.

Play Up The Toffees.

Come On You Mighty Blue Boys.

I think we will all get behind him but I think the concerns that have been raised are valid. But no-one comes with guarantees.
Lets hope the dissenting voices including my own are utterly and completely wrong. Nothing would give me greater pleasure than hearing 'I told you so' a year from now.

Pity announcement coincides with my bi-monthly pedicure - I might have twitchy feet!

I wanted a young, intelligent manager with ambition and drive and Martinez is one of the few available. Be ready for talent to arrive from the most unlikely places. This guy can spot a player.

Hello Graham,

There are many on here who are utterly entrenched/enraged against Roberto before he's even had his first game. It's nice to see people like yourself who might not have wanted him, but can look at him objectively and be reasonable.

I'm one of his supporters, I wanted him from the start, having said that I too have a few doubts about his defensive record, but I think our defense will do him proud and he's then likely to go up the other end of the park an hand out a thumping or two.

Whether I agree or not, superb!

That would make my year.

Still underwhelmed. I wish I could get excited, but I can't at all - our odds on relegation next season have been slashed big-time.

I hate going on about it, and you're right that we/I need to give him time and respect him (which I do), but I just can't get my head round the fact he took Wigan down last season.

It just feels like a backward, or at best, sideways step is all.

I totally understand where you're coming from - you're right, he can only be judged on future performance, not past. See, I'm trying!

He may well do a Mucha and perform above expectations, but I'm expecting a downturn in fortune. But hey, the football will be amazing right?

I'd give him all the support from the off, but.... but but but. I just don't get this appointment. We're on the coat tails of the top 4 and this is the best Kenwright can do.

Shock bollocks.

If we win a few games just watch those go out again.

The bookies have adjusted their odds because they know there's a chancer or two out there who will try exploit the odds that are normally offered on EFC, they're just covering themselves. If Man Utd had a rush of takers on relegation under Moyes, they'd bring the odds in on them too.

I admire your optimism. Now it looks like the deal is done, all arguments about what he might or might not do are redundant. In about 80 days time we are going to start finding out.
I don't see any value in 'doing a Rafa' and making your mind up until he has had a chance to prove himself.

Graham#841 - it's unlikely anyone will 'do a Rafa' isn't it? I mean, none of us actually have any reason to actively dislike Martinez, even if (like me) we lack confidence in him?

I'll happily eat my words, and I'll certainly back him from the off, regardless of whether I think he's the right man for the job or not. It's the club that matters to me, not the personnel.

Only 80 days? There's many names I could give you have taken a hell of a lot longer than that to come up with the goods.

I would be happy if he actually for the first half to full season played in the Moyes style and introduced little bits of his own play gradually?

I suspect he'll realize he can't chop that team to bits in the first season, would we punish him if we where 10th and not playing dazzling football while he finds his way around the club?

Come on Bill, time to see some blue smoke. Get it done FFS.

I do indeed, in fact I've had it every time we've played Liverpool at Anfield for the past 11 years.

As for - "I'm expecting a downturn in fortune" - why do so many on TW have to (chuckle) be so negative?

COYB!!!

As many saw the last manager as infallible, the process of finding someone his equal is probably quite difficult.

He will have my full support and importantly I believe he stands as a man of integrity, honesty and class. All of which are commensurate with the values of Everton Football Club. We could easily have ended up with a manager that fell short in this regard.

Good luck to the man.

I'm fascinated to see how human nature works on this forum, though: now that people know he's going to be appointed, the stance of many has changed somewhat.

I suppose I'm just more of an idea(l)ist.

I can see and smell Kenwright's Cheshire-cat smile.

Personally I see that as a massive failing, and inability to adapt (remind you of anyone now working in Manchester) which could (could) bite a person on the bottom.

Having said all of that, I hope he does well.

If it is indeed, Martinez that's being given the job.......!

Plenty of time to rifle through those contracts, check end dates, release clauses etc.!

OK RM had 2 good results against us and City but on both occasions neither team turned up.

League form is much more an indicator of a manager and his record is far from distinguished.

For me he is far too laid back for and for "sin Miedo" read couldnt care less and his team play the same way.