February 2014
Like his appointment in June 2013, Roberto Martinez’s resignation has been a long protracted event. Everton’s Web Site this afternoon confirmed his departure on http://www.evertonfc.com, stating Roberto has left with mutual consent, after a meeting this morning with Chairman Bill Kenwright.[PPD_PAYTOREADMORE]
Roberto’s 9 month tenure, in the fans eyes never really got off the ground, the football community saw it a little different. Recent results had started to improve as Bob started to place his mark on the Everton team.
The fans after a positive relationship with Bob, soon started to deteriorate. This deterioration started with a defeat to Carlisle United in the Capital One League Cup and a slow Premier League start, with only 2 wins against Cardiff (on opening day) & Stoke. This meant a mid table Premier League position, this position not helping the relationship between the Fans & Bob.
This mid table position was maintained through autumn, a glimpse of what could have developed through Bob, with a 3-1 victory against Liverpool @ Anfield. Something the Football Community pointed out to unimpressed Everton Fans was never achieved by David Moyes. Moyes himself having a tough time at a 5th placed Manchester United.
As winter drew closer, results slightly improving with victories against Crystal Palace & Southampton, a single defeat to Arsenal, but numerous draws, saw Everton 9th in the lead up to the Christmas Fixtures.
The first demonstrations against Roberto, started after a heavy defeat at Goodison in late December against a strong West Brom. Just a few fans highlighting their concerns to the board outside the ground after the final whistle.
January saw these demonstrations grow stronger after the Christmas & New Year Period, saw Everton drop to 10th. A poor performance at Goodison, saw Everton scrape a 3rd Round FA Cup draw with 2 late goals against League 2 Mansfield Town. Though they won the replay at Field Mill easily later in January, the Everton Fans were not impressed it took 2 matches to get past a team in the Conference last season.
Ironically it may have been snow that denied Roberto a chance to push away the demonstrations. Their 4th Round FA Cup match against Slough Town FC postponed at Holloways Park, denying Roberto an opportunity to appease the fans & a potential 5th Round FA Cup tie.
2 defeats on the spin in the Premier League in late January & early February, to Swansea & Sunderland, the later at Goodison, was the fans final straw. Even though Everton were positioned 12thin the Premier League, 6 points away from the Relegation battle & still in the FA Cup, this didn’t stop a coordinated march on Gwladys Street.
It’s believed this march was the trigger for Roberto to resign from his post as the Everton Manager. He leaves Everton after just 9 months in charge, fans now asking for David Moyes to return, much to the bemusement of the football community.
Back to reality & June 2013.
Sorry if this is a little cynical & yes it’s jumping the gun even on from Roberto’s appointment. I really do hope it doesn’t happen (well except for United being 5th), but it is my fear; shall we just see what happens? By the way, my other fear is that Steve McClaren will be Wigan’s new Manager, and he’ll not last as long as our imaginary Roberto at Everton.
Andy
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