When Wigan chairman Dave Whelan told to BBC sports that “Bill Kenwright and myself have agreed a deal,” it became vibrant that Everton can now talk with its long observing manager to keep him with Toffees. Since, Everton current manager has already joined Manchester United; there is a vacant place for 39-year-old Spaniard at Goodison Park and after his announcement last month about his intentions to leave Wigan after serving four years at the helm; he became the only contender for Everton’s managerial duties. Though, there is no official confirmation as of yet, but according to some inside sources, things could materialize in next 48 hours. Everton has already informed about the backend developments for filling their vacant post by stating that “In response to regrettable and somewhat premature reports earlier this evening, Everton are continuing discussions with regards to the vacant managerial position. Whilst positive moves are being made, the club will officially announce details as and only when they are agreed and completed.”
On the other side, Wigan is also searching for a managerial candidate after agreeing on retiring manager, in fact, it has a list of 30 plus contenders who have applied for the post and some of them are also worthy for serving Wigan even for a longer term. However, Chairman Dave Whelan has not done interview of any of these thirty contenders, but he is hopeful to have a good alternate for the post. He said, “I have not been able to interview any of the 30 people that have applied. I did not want to jeopardise negotiations about compensation and it would not have been fair to offer anyone the job when I was not in the clear. I would say that in football there are always good managers without a position. We have had some very good people apply for the job. There is no need for me to chase anyone. There are half a dozen top lads among those that have applied.”
Actually, Roberto Martinez fate was decided last week, when Wigan allowed Everton to hold talks with him probably for deal amount’s negotiations; even Wigan manager knows this and that is why he also agreed on the mutual terms to let his manager join Toffees. Whelan told about his meeting with Everton last week that “His meeting with Everton last week had gone very well, he was probably in the last two or three on the list. The chairman then rang me and we discussed the compensation deal, which was agreed this evening at six o’clock. After leaving Wigan, I think Everton is the next stop of Roberto before he goes to the very, very top.
“Everton is run very similarly to Wigan, it’s a family-run club, a friendly club with a great bunch of supporters. They’re a bigger club than Wigan and it’s a super club. I had a meeting with Roberto tonight, we are still very good friends and will be friends for the rest of our lives.”