On this day in 2016: Everton sack Roberto Martinez

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Everton sacked manager Roberto Martinez on this day in 2016, ending his three-year spell in charge of the club.

Martinez, then 42, had guided the Merseysiders to the semi-finals of the both the FA Cup and League Cup that season.

But that was not enough to appease Toffees fans, who had been protesting against the Spaniard in increasing numbers after the club had slipped to 12th in the Premier League.

Everton's best Premier League finish under Martinez was fifth, in his first season in charge
Everton’s best Premier League finish under Martinez was fifth, in his first season in charge (John Walton/PA)

The club praised Martinez for his “utmost integrity and dignity” and described him as a “great ambassador”.

Everton, who had come under new ownership the previous February when Iranian businessman Farhad Moshiri bought a 49.9 per cent stake, appointed Ronald Koeman as Martinez’s permanent successor the following month.

Belgium qualified for Euro 2020 with a 100 per cent record
Belgium qualified for Euro 2020 with a 100 per cent record (PA via Belga)

Three months after leaving Goodison Park, Martinez replaced Marc Wilmots as Belgium’s new head coach and guided them to the top of FIFA’s world rankings although they currently sit second, behind Brazil.

Martinez steered Belgium to a third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup after a semi-final defeat to eventual winners France and the Red Devils were also eliminated by eventual Euro 2020 champions Italy at the quarter-final stage.

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