Everton confirm Roberto Martinez departure

Having overseen a run of just one win in their last 10 matches, culminating in a wretched display in the 3-0 defeat by Sunderland on Wednesday night, the appetite for change among the Goodison Park faithful has spiralled.

He was absent from the training ground on Thursday morning, and Everton made an official announcement after multiple outlets, including BBC Sport and Sky Sports, confirmed his departure before the club.

"The Chairman and the Board of Directors would like to place on record their thanks for the dedication and commitment Roberto has shown during his three seasons with the club," read a statement on the club's website.

"Roberto has been a great ambassador for the club, conducting himself, at all times, with the utmost integrity and dignity. He secured the club its highest ever Premier League points total, a place in the last 16 of the Europa League and appearances in both domestic cup semi-finals.

"He has also played a key role in the development of several young players, managing their progression to the Everton first team and International honours."

[RELATED: Frank de Boer leaves Ajax amid Everton rumours]

After talks were held by the club's hierarchy, new major shareholder Farhad Moshiri has decided that a change in direction is required.

It means Martinez has dodged potential public humiliation, with Everton's end of season awards due to take place in Liverpool city centre on Thursday night.

Everton are 12th in the Premier League table but could finish as low as 16th if results do not go their way on the final day of the season.

Martinez has also led his side to two cup semi-final defeats this season.

What a sight Martinez's team had become. They simply downed tools. When the likes of Romelu Lukaku have stopped scoring goals and Ross Barkley has stopped putting everything into it, you know you've got serious problems.

They became the new Wigan: conceding so many goals they're just not competitive. Martinez needed putting out of his misery, because otherwise there would have been carnage at Goodison Park with the number of protesting fans.

There's a lot of talk about Frank de Boer taking over – and that seems to me a perfect fit. After earning his stripes at Ajax he's earned the right to come and manage in England, and I'm sure he – like most Dutchman who come to the Premier League – would be a success. De Boer would be great for Everton, and Everton would be great for De Boer.