Here's my take on the situation this morning for what it is worth.
Nothing has changed in terms of the big picture, ie that Martinez will not be managing us beyond the end of the season, and most likely not managing us this weekend. We have and continue to talk to very high quality candidates to replace him, as discussed previously, and that process continues.
It's a big day for the city, and Everton will be represented by many of its senior officials at the Hillsborough events today. Thus it's the perfect day to conclude what ever Martinez business needs concluding with all or most present.
Assuming the above, will news be released today? That's a tricky one to judge, if so it's going to be later in the day after the Hillsborough events have occurred (I'm not sure of their precise timings). Alternatively it may be released in the morning prior to the pre-match press conference with whoever is the interim or caretaker manager taking that.
If for whatever reason, the decision is that Martinez continues to the end of the season, then so be it - it will be uncomfortable and give room to those that doubt the ambitions of the board and Moshiri. Even if this was the case (which I doubt) I'm very comfortable with the plans and ambitions he has, for the summer and the development of the club generally.
Thanks for the message mate. I know it's difficult for you to go into too many details but a couple of questions; If Martinez was removed can you see any way the new man would be ready to take over or would it be a caretaker?
It is very much the "Everton way" to probably let him see out the season. We are in no danger and whether now or the end of the season ill not make an enormous amount of difference. If he were to go there would inevitably be a circus around the club. If they are speaking with managers on the quiet currently they may well prefer to keep it that way.
Let me give a fictional scenario. These are all ifs buts and maybe's. But say Mourinho is our number 1 target and say De Boer is our number 2 target (These are my choices).
Mourinho in all likelihood may only consider coming to Everton once he knows Manchester United/PSG are a no go for him. He will only know that at the end of the season. So theatrically all we can do is wait. Yet the agents of De Boer et al will all probably be on the phone wanting to know if we are interested, as they will need to let their clubs know. It wouldn't be unreasonable for a demand such as "if you want me I need to be first choice and I'm not waiting weeks to find out" sort of demand may come from a manager with a club. Ajax may well say to De Boer either commit or resign. This will all be getting egged on by various media outlets.
All of the above would provide a major headache for Everton. A headache that could be avoided by waiting 3 weeks. As I said in another post, 3 weeks to us seems like the end of the world, but to people running a business with a vision for the next 5 years it is a very short space of time.
The above scenario is very specific and I acknowledge I am using a lot of hypotheticals It may not play out like that at all but I suppose what it highlights is the difficulty in acquiring a manager of a certain standing during the season. This is why United ere hacked off the Ferguson story got leaked. Likewise very few teams ill behave how Everton did when Moyes left, namely let him meet with a potential new club, discuss terms, remain in his current job in the intervening period and still have his old job back if the negotiations prove fruitless. That may be a good or bad thing but it exists and makes it a difficult situation to navigate.
I remember in 97 we ended up wit a similar farce when Royle left. In the end we just couldn't get the managers they went for, in part due to the timing. If you want a half decent manager, like say Sean Dyche you can mess them about and they will walk over hot coals to come to you. The sad reality is, that was Kendall in 97, his stock had fallen and we knew he'd come no matter what. However if you want a higher calibre of manager you do have to plan things a little more.
Most managers we want are managing big teams or waiting for big jobs, or involved in title races currently. They will not entertain calls from Everton currently. It comes back to the circus, once Martinez goes there is going to be enormous pressure from the fans and you will get sections of the media pushing for Moyes to come back (on the BBC and Talkport they have done it already). It doesn't mean we end up with Moyes but it makes it more tricky.
My advice is as Esk has said. Show patience and have a little faith. He has been at the club two months and we've already seen big changes. Ticket prices, statements of intent on keeping our players. Most importantly there has been a huge change in the local media in how we are reported. There have been more questioning articles in the last month of this season than the entirity of last season (I don't remember a single critical article of Martinez). Likewise we have not had the old Phil Neville patronising comment to the Echo about "how two semi finals is a great achievement" and "lets finish the season strongly and build for next season". I think these things are connected and linked to a new regime.
He may well go this week. If he doesn't I'd urge fans to try to see the wider picture and perhaps understand the pragmatism that might underpin the decision. If we wait 4 weeks which leads to United winning the cup and keeping LVG and sees us get Mourinho it is a risk worth taking.
