Everton manager Roberto Martinez has paid the price for the club’s current plight as he was axed one week before the end of the season.
Hours after Sky Sports broke the news of his departure the club confirmed that they parted company with Martinez.
A statement read: Everton Football Club regrets to announce that Roberto Martinez has left his position as First Team Manager with immediate effect.
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 honours.
Martinez replaced David Moyes at Goodison Park in the 2013-14 season, leading Everton to a fifth-place finish and their best Premier League points haul in his first year.
However, Everton slipped to 11th last term and the pressure has been steadily mounting on the former Wigan Athletic boss following a poor run of form in the top flight.
He leaves the club in 12th - having won just 10 games this season. Last night's defeat to Sunderland sealed his fate.
With frustrated fans becoming more vocal in their unhappiness with the regime the pressure mounted on Martinez.
Results made a summer departure increasingly likely as he presided over just 1 win in their past 10 Premier League matches.
Frank De Boer is among the early favourites to take the top job at Goodison Park, bookies also have Martin O’Neill in the race to succeed Martinez.
