Ronald Koeman: Everton appoint former Southampton boss on three-year deal

EVERTON have confirmed Ronald Koeman as their new manager.

By Chris McKenna

Digsby

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BOSS: EVERTON MANAGER RONALD KOEMAN

The Dutchman has signed a three-year deal believed to be worth around £18m.

Koeman said: “I am very excited to be Everton manager. I believe in the club, in the team, in the fans and in our ability to achieve things in the future.

“Everton is a club with a great history and real ambition and it is a proud feeling for me to be part of what we want to go and do, together with the Chairman and (investor) Farhad Moshiri.

“I am looking forward to meeting everyone at the club and to preparing for a big season in the Premier League.”

Koeman replaces Roberto Martinez, who was sacked by the Toffees before the end of the season.

Everton spoke to a number of candidates including Manuel Pellegrini, but got the first name on their list.

Chairman Bill Kenwright said: “We are really pleased to have secured the man who was our No 1 target from the moment we set out to appoint a new manager.

“Ronald has such a strong track record in the game, instantly commanding respect for what he achieved as a player and for his qualities and accomplishments as a manager.

“The hopes and aspirations that we all have as Evertonians are with him, as is our total support at Board, shareholder and fan level.”

Everton secured a compensation deal with Southampton last week of around £5m for Koeman.

The Dutchman’s agent Rob Jansen then opened talks on a £6m-a-year contract with Everton officials.

Koeman led Southampton to seventh and sixth-place finishes in his two years in the Premier League with them.

The former Ajax, PSV and Valencia boss has won three Eredivisie titles, the Dutch Cup and the Copa Del Rey as a manager.

The ex-Barcelona star will be given a £100m transfer kitty to into one of the Premier League’s top clubs.