Martinez destined for Everton after confirming Wigan’s worst fears

Roberto Martinez now looks nailed on to be named as the successor to David Moyes at Everton after having his resignation accepted by Wigan.

Martinez’ price to be the next Everton manager continues to shorten and having touched odds-on at the start of the week, it is now as low as 2/7.

The risk to stay at Wigan was arguably too great as even though the club were relegated from the Premier League this season, Martinez’ stock remains high after the club’s FA Cup victory.

Should he have failed to secure instant promotion back to the Premier League next season, there was a great risk of his stock dwindling and him failing to get another top-flight job.

Martinez’ loyalty cannot be questioned as he reportedly turned down options to manage Liverpool and Aston Villa last summer to remain at Wigan and this is the sort of manager that Everton will want.

Furthermore, he has proved his ability to work on a tight budget at Wigan and this is another characteristic that makes him fit the role at Everton.

Meanwhile, it he must be considered less of a risk than when Moyes was brought in from Preston in 2002, with Martinez having a greater level of contacts in the game and proven managerial experience at Premier League level.

The lack of young players brought through at Wigan is an obvious complaint, but if the youngsters aren’t good enough then it is hard to pick them.

The fact that it is now 16/1 in the next Everton manager betting bar Martinez goes to show the strength of the assumption that he will take over and talks are expected to begin later this week.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publication