It was a difficult season for Everton FC, the club's board understood that they had a competitive side to fight for European positions by the end of the season. After losing at Sunderland last Wednesday, they decided to part ways with Spaniard Roberto Martinez. They issued a public statement where they explained the whole situation and wished the best to the coach.
The statement on Everton's official website read: "The chairman and the board of directors would like to place on record their thanks for the dedication and commitment Roberto has shown during his three seasons with the club.
"Roberto has been a great ambassador for the club, conducting himself, at all times, with the utmost integrity and dignity. He secured the club its highest ever Premier League points total, a place in the last 16 of the Europa League and appearances in both domestic cup semi-finals.
"He has also played a key role in the development of several young players, managing their progression to the Everton first team and international honors. Following the departure of Roberto Martinez, the club's end of season awards, due to be held at St George's Hall tonight, has been postponed.
"Roberto has show great commitment and dignity throughout his time at Everton and the club feels it should reciprocate by rescheduling the event. The club hopes that those due to attend would agree that the planned celebration would be inappropriate in the circumstances."
Later in the day, Dutch manager Frank de Boer's exit from Ajax has been linked to Everton. His brother Ronald, has told the press that Frank is very interested in taking the job with the Toffies: "Frank is interested in the Everton job, but it's not up to him to make the move. That's up to the club. In my eyes he's the right man for that job. He thought he was going to fulfill his ambition of managing in the Premier League, but talks with Tottenham collapsed at the last minute.
"When you see what [Ronald] Koeman has done at Southampton, I would argue Frank is at least as good as him when you see what he has achieved at Ajax. I think Everton would be a good fit for Frank. It's the sort of club where he'd be given the chance to show his qualities and do something special. He made up his mind to leave Ajax two months ago because he needed a change."
Photo credit: Getty Images