Top 10 Young Football Managers (Part I)

Roberto Martinez

Age: 40

Nationality: Spanish

Current club: Everton

Previous clubs: Swansea City; Wigan Athletic

Major Honours/Accolades: 1 FA Cup (2013); 1 Football League One title (2007-08)

Expert Views: Change is something that has been clamoured for in the stands at Everton in recent years and this summer’s changing of the guard at Goodison Park is a crucial one, with the Toffees replacing a man long tipped for greatness in the game with one held in a similar esteem.

But while Roberto Martinez and his predecessor David Moyes have been charged with unenviable tasks of building on already impressive legacies, that is where similarities end.

Evertonians are relishing the attractive style of play that became synonymous with the Spaniard’s time at Wigan being replicated at Goodison, but concerns about the manner of their departure from the Premier League, after three consecutive great escapes, linger.

He does, however, inherit a solid and cohesive defence – something that was sorely lacking at the Latics – and providing he can retain the services of alleged Manchester United target Leighton Baines, that should go some way in quelling fears of a return to the bad old days for Everton.

In-keeping with his new club’s long-standing mantra, Martinez has set the bar high by targeting Champions League qualification as the ultimate aim of his Blues tenure.

Delivering that, or ending Everton’s 18-year trophy drought will validate claims by Wigan chairman Dave Whelan that this self-styled student of the game was destined for bigger things.