Breaking News: Everton Appoints Martinez as Manager on a Four-Year Deal.

Roberto Martinez joins Everton.
Roberto Martinez joins Everton.

Everton has announced the appointment of Spaniard Roberto Martinez as their new manager on a four-year deal.

A statement released on Everton FC’s website read: “Everton Football Club is today delighted to confirm the appointment of Roberto Martinez as its next manager. The 39-year-old Spaniard joins from Wigan Athletic and has signed a four year contract at Goodison Park, Mr Martinez will be officially unveiled as the club’s 14th permanent manager at a media conference on Wednesday afternoon.”

Martinez guided Wigan to the FA Cup victory this season, but later opted out of the Championship-bound club for his just confirmed role at Goodison Park.

After the departure of David Moyes, who coached Everton for 11 years, to Manchester United, Everton chairman, Bill Kenwright had been searching for a suitable replacement and on Monday his Lactic counterpart Dave Wheelan agreed a deal with him to allow Martinez to leave.

Former Swansea manager Martinez joined Wigan in June 2009 and was a target for Aston Villa in June 2011 but chose to remain with the Lactics. Liverpool failed to sign him last summer after been strongly linked with the club.

During his tenure at Wigan, the club finished 16th twice and in 15th place before failing to survive last season’s relegation battle.

He will be taking charge of an Everton side which has secured a top eight finish in each of their last seven campaigns.

Wheelan is already seeking a new boss and when asked whether there was a clause in Martinez contract stopping him from bidding for players at Wigan, he said: “No, that would be most unfair on Roberto and Everton. Players move around and Everton have the right, like any other club, to talk to Wigan about players.”

The chairman also expressed his disappointments at losing Martinez who guided Wigan to their first ever FA Cup trophy last season.

“I’m sorry to lose him but we will always be friends for the rest of our lives. But he is going to a great club with great supporters.”