Dutchman Ronald Koeman became
the new manager of English Premier League
club Everton on Tuesday after his previous club
Southampton reluctantly agreed to release him
a year early from his contract.
The 53-year-old - who guided Southampton to
their highest finish in the Premier League of
sixth last term and a place in the Europa
League - signed a three-year contract with
Everton and replaces Roberto Martinez, who
was sacked just before the end of the Premier
League campaign.
Koeman - who had said earlier this year he
would see out the last year of his three-year
contract with the Saints - has been lured to
Everton by the promise by the club's major
shareholder, Iranian billionaire Farhad Moshiri,
of more than £100m for new signings.
Koeman, who has previously coached the big
Dutch league trio of PSV, Feyenoord and Ajax,
said it was a proud moment for him to take
ove the reins despite their disappointing
Premier League campaign which saw them
finish 11th.
"I am very excited to be Everton manager,"
said Koeman, who was part of the outstanding
Dutch side that won the Euro 1988 title.
"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 (Bill Kenwright) and Farhad
Moshiri.
"I am looking forward to meeting everyone at
the club and to preparing for a big season in
the Premier League."
Theatre impressario Kenwright said it was a
huge moment for the club, having managed to
wrest their top target away from their Premier
League rivals.
"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," said Kenwright.
"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."
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