Everton manager Roberto Martinez given the boot

Defensive woes undo Martinez

Despite initially wowing crowds with his attacking approach and gung-ho football, subsequent seasons at the helm have seen former Wigan Athletic manager and FA Cup winner Martinez criticised for lack of defensive nous.

A recent 3-0 hammering by relegation-threatened side Sunderland saw the pressure increase, as Everton have kept just one clean sheet in their last 10 games, with only two victories in 12 across all competitions, and looked closer to the drop zone than Champions League slots under the Spaniard’s stewardship, with a win ratio of just 42.7 per cent in his time at the club.

Martinez has also overseen the worst home record since the early days of David Moyes’ reign when the Toffees were battling relegation, and with the fresh influx of Premier League TV cash set to change the game, it looks as though Everton will again be ushering in a new era.

Reports suggest the Toffees could see key players such as England defender John Stones and Belgium frontman Romelu Lukaku poached this summer, with Chelsea and Manchester United said to be circling both, but bringing in a superstar tactician could change perceptions.

Coral’s nifty next coach odds

Coral have a set of cracking specials for customers on this very topic, with an enticing next Everton manager market. Mooted contenders for the coaching post at Goodison include Stoke City’s Mark Hughes (8/1) and Frank De Boer (1/2), with the latter Dutchman most recently linked after leaving Ajax.

Though punters can also take a wager on a Moyes (8/1) return, a triumphant Jose Mourinho (33/1) takeover, or even something a little more outside the box with big names such as Manuel Pellegrini (10/1) and Rafael Benitez (20/1) in the frame alongside former Toffees captain Phil Neville.

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