Martinez set for Everton switch after asking to leave Wigan
Spaniard given permission to talk to Toffees as Everton fans poke fun at Liverpool on Twitter
ROBERTO MARTINEZ looks set to become the new Everton manager after telling Wigan that he wanted to leave the club on the day that another of the leading candidates for the role, Phil Neville, was ruled out of the running as he joined David Moyes's staff at Manchester United.
Martinez won the FA Cup with Wigan last season, but the Latics were also relegated from the Premier League, and Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has now accepted the Spaniard's resignation. Whelan also revealed that he was contacted by Everton last week, who wanted permission to talk to Martinez about the vacancy at Goodison Park.
"He feels he's not the man to lead us back into the Premier League. I've got to accept what he feels," said Whelan. "He [Martinez] has 12 months left on his contract, so whoever comes in for him must pay the remainder of his contract."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Martinez is the obvious candidate to take over from Moyes at Everton. The FA Cup win over Manchester City "cemented the view he is destined for greater heights," says the paper.
His brand of passing football and tactical acumen make him the "ideal fit" for an Everton team "hoping to build on their solid foundations to evolve into a slightly more attractive side capable of breaking into the top four," adds the paper.
But it is not a done deal, says The Times. Martinez "has a reputation for acting on principle and turned down the opportunity to take over at Aston Villa two years ago because he did not feel the job was right for him at that time".
He would also inherit a better financial situation at Goodison Park than Moyes enjoyed during his reign. Increased TV revenues mean that the Toffees will not be under the same constraints as before.
The possible move sparked a lively debate on Twitter. Last year Martinez was heavily linked with the Liverpool manager's job and claimed he turned it down before Brendan Rodgers took over at Anfield. News that the new Everton manager may have snubbed the Toffees' bitter local rivals delighted many Blues fans, though Liverpool fans insisted that Martinez was joining an inferior team to theirs.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
The history of Donald Trump's election conspiracy theories
The Explainer How the 2024 Republican nominee has consistently stoked baseless fears of a stolen election
By David Faris Published
-
Two ancient cities have been discovered along the Silk Road
Under the radar The discovery changed what was known about the old trade route
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
'People shouldn't have to share the road with impaired drivers'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Why Man United finally lost patience with ten Hag
Talking Point After another loss United sacked ten Hag in hopes of success in the Champion's League
By The Week UK Published
-
The Premier League's spending cap: levelling the playing field?
Talking Point Top clubs oppose plans to link spending to income of lowest-earning club, but rule could prevent success gap from widening
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Is a new English football regulator an own goal for the game?
Talking Point PM hails 'historic moment for football fans' but West Ham owner warns it could 'ruin' Premier League
By The Week UK Published
-
Manchester United and Mason Greenwood: duty of care or double standards?
Talking Point The 21-year-old footballer’s possible return has provoked an outpouring of dismay from supporters
By Jamie Timson Published
-
2023-2024 Premier League predictions: champions, relegation and golden boot
feature A look at the top flight talking points and pundit picks for the new season
By Mike Starling Published
-
Man City: can ‘one of the best sides in history’ win the treble?
feature Guardiola’s Premier League champions have two more trophies in their sights
By The Week Staff Published
-
Premier League: Man City vs. Arsenal predictions
feature What the pundits say about tonight’s title race showdown at the Etihad
By Mike Starling Last updated
-
Antonio Conte leaves Tottenham after ‘extraordinary’ rant at players
feature After another year without a trophy, Spurs are now searching for a new manager
By The Week Staff Published