OMNISPORT

Everton has sacked manager Roberto Martinez following a poor end to the Premier League season, the club has confirmed.

Martinez took over from David Moyes at Goodison Park ahead of the 2013-14 season, leading Everton to a fifth-place finish and its best Premier League points haul in his maiden campaign.

However, Everton slipped to 11th last term and the pressure has been steadily mounting on the former Wigan Athletic boss following a poor run of form in the top flight.

The Toffees have won just once in their past 10 Premier League matches, with the Goodison Park faithful vocal in their disapproval at recent games, while a protest was reportedly planned for the club's end of season awards on Thursday.

Everton has particularly struggled at home this campaign with the club winning only five league matches on its own turf - the club's worst return in Premier League history.

Runs to the FA and League Cup semifinals were not enough to save Martinez, who had spoken recently about his confidence of turning around Everton's ailing fortunes.

However, a dismal showing in Wednesday's 3-0 defeat at Sunderland proved the final nail in his coffin with Everton choosing to wield the axe before Sunday's final match of the season against Norwich City.