Martinez crosses odds-on threshold to be next Everton boss

Roberto Martinez has delayed the announcement on his Wigan future, fuelling speculation that it’s almost certain he’s making a bee-line for the DW Stadium exit door.

This has prompted Ladbrokes to whittle his price down to be the next Everton manager to 10/11, making him the first individual to enter odds-on territory in this market.

The Spaniard had already crafted a reputation as one of the Premier League’s highest rated coaches, despite failing to achieve to the extent that predecessors Steve Bruce and Paul Jewell did in terms of league position, at least.

Winning last season’s FA Cup, however, has seen his popularity spike once more, although this was somewhat dampened by the club being relegated just three days later.

Shallow pockets at Wigan have always left him having to battle against the current in order to maintain top-flight status and it’s fair to say that Martinez has done incredibly well to uncover some of the players he has with the funds available to him.

Those who would respond to this by stating that if he had a core of decent players available to him – the likes of James McCarthy, Arouna Kone and Shaun Maloney are all expected to move on – he should never have taken Wigan down would definitely have a case, but he does seem like a natural successor to David Moyes at Goodison Park regardless.

Operating on Everton’s miniscule transfer budget is something he will have no issues with, having proved he can acquire gems for a pittance, while he also possesses the ability to properly manage young talent.

The Toffees’ academy is a crucial aspect of their existence. Without having much money to spend, they rely on bringing youngsters through to the first team as an alternative to populating the team with million-pound signings.

The rapid emergence of Callum McManaman is testament to the fact that there are few others in the game who know how to look after prospects as well as Martinez and this, above all else, will appeal to Bill Kenwright when he is deciding who should fill Moyes’ boots.

All odds and markets accurate as of publication’s time and date