Martinez’s future in the balance

EVERTON’S hierarchy will hold meetings this week to discuss the future of embattled manager Roberto Martinez. Chairman Bill Kenwright, new major shareholder Farhad Moshiri and director Jon Woods will be among those who will consider Martinez’s role following a downturn in results. Martinez has become a target for increased discontent among supporters with Saturday’s last-gasp FA Cup semifinal defeat to Manchester United at Wembley ending Everton’s hopes of silverware for another season. The Goodison Park board are aware of the need to make the right decision for the club’s future and will weigh up Everton’s run to semi-finals in both domestic cup competitions against another disappointing Premier League campaign. As things stand, the likelihood remains, that Martinez will still be in charge for this Saturday’s game with Bournemouth when he will face a potentially hostile Goodison crowd. Further protests have been discussed by supporters on social media with waving white handkerchiefs at the Spaniard being mooted or an orchestrated walkout. Martinez made his case to stay in charge for a fourth season after the heart-breaking 2-1 defeat at Wembley when he highlighted his development of young talent and how he has not been working with a huge budget.

Yet the £13.5m signing of Oumar Niasse, who has played just 29 minutes since his arrival in January, represents a black mark against his recruitment policy ahead of a summer when Iranian billionaire Moshiri has promised to bankroll a major spending spree.

While the axe might come sooner, Martinez could survive until the end of the season with his exit being held up in part due to contractual issues.

But the former Wigan boss sounded like a man who knew his time was up after the defeat at Wembley.

Asked if he was fighting for his future, Martinez said: “We are a big club. You don’t expect it any other way.

“If I had been given 10 years to work with Everton by being mediocre I would not accept that.

“We are a big club with big expectations and we have not won silverware for 21 years.

“I just want to believe with the work I have done for the last three years there are signs there that we are getting close to challenging for silverware, where Everton should be.” – Daily Star/ Express Newspapers