London, May 13 (IANS) Everton FC have announced the departure of chief coach Roberto Martinez after three football seasons with the English Premier League (EPL) club.
The 42-year-old Spaniard on Thursday left the team a day after Everton lost 0-2 to Sunderland in the season’s penultimate game, reports Efe.
“Everton Football Club regrets to announce that Roberto Martinez has left his position as First Team Manager with immediate effect,” the club said in a statement posted on its website on Thursday.
“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,” the statement said. “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 semifinals.”
The Toffees, who began the season with hopes of finishing in the top four and qualifying for Champions League, now sit in 12th place and lost their only chance of hoisting a trophy when they fell 1-2 to Manchester United in the April 23 FA Cup semi-final.
Everton have won only five matches at home this season.
Overall, under Martinez, the Toffees posted a record of 61 wins, 39 draws and 43 losses.
The coach of Everton’s under-21 squad, David Unsworth, will be in charge of the first team for Sunday’s final match of the season against relegated Norwich City.
