Martinez asks to be judged on 3 years at Everton, not last 3 months

Embattled Everton manager Roberto Martinez publicly pleaded to fans and critics alike that he be judged not for his team's 2015-16 campaign, but for the work he has put in over the course of three seasons at Goodison Park.

The Spanish tactician is the subject of growing dissent by supporters, as the club sits mid-table in 11th place with three fixtures remaining in the season. While Martinez acknowledged that he is not without fault for this tepid campaign, he asked for a touch of understanding in the bigger picture.

"Scrutiny I welcome and accept. I understand it completely," Martinez said, according to ESPN FC. "I always encourage huge expectations, and as a football club we have to drive to challenge for silverware and challenge for the top four. When we're not, scrutiny needs to be there.

"But it shouldn't be scrutiny of the last two months or three months. It should be of three seasons, scrutiny about the team we've put together."

Related - Report: Martinez's position as Everton manager will be evaluated this week

Martinez has overseen his team through FA Cup heartbreak and lacklustre results this season, but the former Wigan manager - already braced for protests calling for his job on Saturday against Bournemouth - pointed to some of his accomplishments during his tenure with the Toffees.

"The first season we had a record points tally, last season we were the last team in the British game to be knocked out of Europe, this season we made two semi-finals," Martinez said. "I'm ready to fight more than ever, and closer, probably, to finding a way to challenge for silverware.

"The message is we are all in this together. It's only when you get through these difficult experiences and painful moments that you get renewed drive."