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EPL fallout: Everton sacks manager, Tottenham extends deal

Roberto Martinez was sacked by Everton overnight, Australian time, two years after leading them to a record Premier League points haul.

May 13, 2016, updated May 13, 2016
Roberto Martinez... sacked. Photo: Andrew Matthews, PA Wire.

Roberto Martinez... sacked. Photo: Andrew Matthews, PA Wire.

Former Netherlands defender Frank de Boer is favourite to replace Martinez, according to several British bookmakers, after he left Ajax Amsterdam earlier in the day.

Everton confirmed media reports that the Spaniard had left, with three years remaining on his contract.

“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 at the club,” Everton said in a statement.

“Roberto has been a great ambassador for the club, conducting himself at all times with the utmost integrity and dignity.”

Everton reached the semi-finals of both domestic cups this season but it is their disappointing league form that has cost Martinez his job.

After a bright start, the Goodison Park team have tailed off alarmingly and are 12th going into the final weekend of the season having won once in their last 10 league games.

Fans have become increasingly disgruntled, especially as the squad is one of the best the club have assembled for many seasons with the likes of Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku, England midfielder Ross Barkley and former Barcelona midfielder Gerard Deulofeu.

Since a 4-0 rout by local rivals Liverpool last month, banners have been displayed at games calling for Martinez to go.

The 42-year-old has a reputation for producing sides that are easy on the eye but Everton have struggled defensively this season, conceding 55 goals in the league ahead of Sunday’s finale at home to Norwich City.

When Martinez first replaced long-serving manager David Moyes in 2013, the former Swansea City and Wigan Athletic boss impressed as Everton finished fifth with 72 points, a total usually good enough to secure a top-four spot.

Last season they reached the last 16 of the Europa League but regressed in the Premier League, finishing 11th with 47 points.

The downward trend has continued in the league this term despite around Stg30 million ($A58.7 million)) spent on Ramiro Funes Mori, Oumar Niasse, Aaron Lennon and Deulofeu.

They have lost eight of their 18 home league games, the worst record in the club’s history.

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has signed a contract extension until 2021, ending media speculation the Argentine could be tempted elsewhere.

Pochettino’s side will finish as English Premier League runners-up for the first time since 1964 if they beat Newcastle United on Sunday’s final day of the season, having pushed Leicester City hard for the title.

“We have seen Mauricio bring a tremendous spirit and ethos to our club and embrace the attacking style of play with which we have always been associated,” chairman Daniel Levy said in a statement.

“He has built a squad of youth and experience and this season we have seen football played at the highest level – quite sublime at times.”

Former Argentine defender Pochettino joined Tottenham in 2014, having impressed at Southampton.

He has created a fast and powerful side with a backbone of young English players such as Harry Kane, Eric Dier and Dele Alli.

File photo dated 14-02-2016 of Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino.. Issue date: Thursday May 12, 2016. Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has signed a contract extension until 2021, the club have announced. See PA story SOCCER Tottenham. Photo credit should read Martin Rickett/PA Wire.

Mauricio Pochettino. Photo: Martin Rickett, PA Wire.

Pochettino was photographed having lunch with former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson this week, prompting rumours he could be a target for the Old Trafford team.

“Everyone at the club is delighted he has agreed an extended contract and we all look forward to working with him in the coming seasons,” Levy said.

“I know he is as ambitious for our club as we all are.”

With a bright young squad at his disposal and a new stadium on the way, Pochettino says everything is in place for Tottenham to maintain their improvement and challenge for honours.

“I could not be happier to sign this new contract. It was an easy decision for my coaching staff and I because we can feel the appreciation of everyone here. There is no better place to be right now,” said Pochettino who will lead Tottenham next season in the Champions League.

“This club has all the ingredients to continue to challenge at the very top in both the Premier League and in Europe and we want to be here to be a part of what I believe will be a special period in the club’s history.”

Pochettino’s coaching staff of Jesus Perez, Miguel D’Agostino and Toni Jimenez have also agreed to contract extensions.

-Reuters

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