Everton legend Joe Royle will step into Roberto Martinez‘s shoes for the final game of the Premier League season.
The Toffees confirmed on their official Twitter handle that Martinez and the club had parted ways, a move that had been expected following the Merseysiders’ loss against Sunderland on Wednesday evening.
Everton Football Club regrets to announce that Roberto Martinez has left his position as First Team Manager with immediate effect.
— Everton (@Everton) May 12, 2016
Martinez moved to Goodison Park in 2013 as a replacement for David Moyes, and while he enjoyed success during his maiden campaign with the Blues, he has failed to build on his early progress.
The Spanish coach has overseen just one victory in Everton’s last 10 EPL matches, with the club currently sitting in 12th place on 44 points with one game left to play.
While the identity of the next Everton manager remains to be seen, the club confirmed on their Twitter handle on Thursday evening that Toffees hero Royle will take temporary change of the final match of the season against Norwich City on Sunday, with support from David Unsworth.
David Unsworth and Joe Royle will take temporary charge for Sunday’s final game of the season against Norwich City. #EFC
— Everton (@Everton) May 12, 2016
Royle began his career with the Toffees, spending eight years with the club before leaving for Manchester City in 1974.
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He managed the Blues between 1994 and 1997, before moving onto managerial stints with City, Ipswich Town and Oldham Athletic.