Martínez succeeds Moyes at Everton

Everton FC have named Roberto Martínez as their new manager and successor to David Moyes.

Martínez left FA Cup winners Wigan Athletic FC to sign a four-year contract with the Merseysiders. The 39-year-old had been strongly tipped to replace the Manchester United FC-bound Moyes and his appointment was confirmed today ahead of a Goodison Park press conference.

The 39-year-old Spaniard's four-season reign at Wigan ended with FA Cup glory – the Lancashire club beating Manchester City FC in the final – but also relegation from the top flight.

Of the job now awaiting him at Everton, the one-time Real Zaragoza player told reporters: "What David Moyes has done is set a real high standard. We need to make sure we are a winning side that can carry on achieving more. I wanted to look for a new challenge and it became clear that the only club I would fit in at was Everton."

Martínez came to England as a player in 1995 and began his managerial career with a two-year tenure at Swansea City AFC between 2007 and 2009. Moving from Wigan to Merseyside, the challenge for Martínez will be to build on the work of predecessor Moyes, who over the last 11 years re-established Everton as a top-six regular and European qualifier.

The Scot was announced in May as the retiring Sir Alex Ferguson's choice to take over the Old Trafford hot seat when his Everton deal expires later this month. Nine-times English champions, Everton finished sixth in the 2012/13 Premier League.