Roberto Martinez Signs New Five-year Contract with Everton

Everton have handed Roberto Martinez a new five year contract after his impressive first season in charge at Goodison Park.

After being named David Moyes' successor on Merseyside last summer Martinez guided Everton to their best ever finish in the Premier League era, amassing 72 points as they secured fifth place ahead of Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.

The former Wigan Athletic boss also won acclaim for implementing a more compelling brand of football that saw the club challenge for a spot in next season's Champions League up until the final month of the season.

Upon signing the new deal, Martinez said: "I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to make a further commitment to Everton," Martínez said. "I loved my first season at the club. I could not be more proud of the way Everton performed throughout the entire season and the memories we were able to make together.

"I am really excited about next season. I knew from the moment I arrived at Everton that this was a special place and I'd like to thank everyone associated with the club: the board, all the staff, the players and our brilliant supporters for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to build on the traditions and success of this great club."

Club chairman Bill Kenwright added: ""In many commentators' eyes, Roberto Martínez is the best young manager in Europe. We agree. He took on an unfamiliar challenge for most managers, to take something really good and make it even better.

"In his debut season he broke our Premier League record points haul, got us back into Europe and developed some of the most exciting young footballers in the game.

"He conducts himself off the pitch in the same way. He undertakes his business with great style, confidence, positivity and class. He is an Everton man."