Everton appoints Ronald Koeman as new manager

 

UK: Everton has confirmed the appointment of former Southampton Manager, Ronald Koeman on a three year contract for a reported £6 million a year salary.

Koeman who left Southampton after two seasons in charge will replace Roberto Martinez who was sacked last month after a disappointing 11th-placed finish in the Premier League.

"I am very excited to be Everton manager. I believe in the club, in the team, in the fans and in our ability to achieve things in the future," said Koeman.

He added; "Everton is a club with a great history and real ambition and it is a proud feeling for me to be part of what we want to go and do, together with the Chairman and Farhad Moshiri. I am looking forward to meeting everyone at the club and to preparing for a big season in the Premier League."

 Everton Chairman Bill Kenwright said in a club statement:

 "We are really pleased to have secured the man who was our number one target from the moment we set out to appoint a new manager.

"Ronald has such a strong track record in the game, instantly commanding respect for what he achieved as a player and for his qualities and accomplishments as a manager. The hopes and aspirations that we all have as Evertonians are with him, as is our total support at board, shareholder and fan level."

Southampton had confirmed earlier on Tuesday that they had accepted Koeman's resignation 

A statement from Southampton read:

"Southampton Football Club can today confirm it has accepted the resignation of First Team Manager Ronald Koeman, and completed negotiations with Everton over his move to Goodison Park.

"The search has already begun for the right appointment who can take the club to the next level and build on our track record of recent success, which culminated in a sixth-place finish in last season's Premier League, as well as qualification for the group stages of the Europa League.

"Our focus now is to build on our long-term plan, and work with a new management team who share both the club's and our supporters' values and ambitions."