Jagielka Hopeful Of Everton Continuity After Moyes Departure

Everton defender Phil Jagielka is hopeful his side can cope with the loss of David Moyes next season.

Moyes, who ruled the roost at Goodison Park for 11 years, was officially announced as the successor to Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford Thursday afternoon, and will begin what many will consider to be the hardest job in football from July 1.

In matter of 48 hours both United and Everton have had their worlds turned upside down in losing their managers, who are incidentally the Premier League's longest and third longest serving coaches at their clubs, services that will come to an end in just a few weeks.

While the challenges that await Moyes have been much discussed, Everton are now focused upon finding the right man to continue the sterling efforts the Scot started at Goodison, something the club are well within their capabilities of doing, according to Jagielka.

"Like the rest of the squad, I have nothing but the highest regard for David Moyes," the defender told Everton's official website.

"He is a first class operator on and off the training ground and on behalf of the players I would like to place on record my thanks for work he has done improving the team.

"It was as much of a shock to the dressing room as I'm sure it was to Everton and our fans. All the lads wish him the very best for the future but we still have two important Premier League games to play and all our attention will be focused on winning against West Ham and at Chelsea.

"Once the season is over we can collectively look forward in order to ensure we continue to build on the positive work of the past seasons. "

In a statement confirming that Moyes would leave Everton at the end of the season, club chairman Bill Kenright expressed that it is vital the correct man for the job is brought in.

"We really will be out there finding the right man for this football club because it is an extraordinary football club that is worshipped by its fans," Kenwright said. "They are the people - more than anything - that I have been thinking of over the last 24 hours."

Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez has been touted as an early favourite for the Goodison hotseat, while Celtic boss Neil Lennon and Vitor Pereira of Porto have also been linked with the role.