Report: Roberto Martinez's Everton tenure could be over next week
Everton's board members have apparently set a meeting on Friday to discuss the future of under-pressure manager Roberto Martinez, with a negative outcome potentially seeing the Spaniard ousted next week.
Fans are expected to protest against club management in Saturday's game versus Bournemouth, with suggestions of a plane flyover displaying a banner declaring "Time to go Roberto" and instructions of how to express displeasure at the match being shared by supporters on social media.
If you're at the Bournemouth game and want to make a difference, please take part. @EvertonArentWe @Everton pic.twitter.com/ECxT55452Z
— 1878 (@1878Blog) April 26, 2016
The Telegraph's Matt Law understands that new majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri and long-standing chairman Bill Kenwright will attend the meeting, with the former believed to be particularly concerned by the recent supporter unrest. If Martinez receives a thumbs down from the club's hierarchy, the Bournemouth match could be his last in charge.
Everton has won a paltry four home games under Martinez this season - a tally only second to bottom-placed and already relegated Aston Villa - and its hapless defending and recent striking woes see it occupy 11th place. Considering the talent Martinez has on offer on Merseyside with the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley, it's widely considered that the Toffees have underachieved in 2015-16.
Some reports have already been citing potential replacements for the former Wigan Athletic boss, with Stoke City's Mark Hughes as one name put forward.
Related - Report: Everton targeting Stoke's Hughes to replace Martinez
It now seems that Martinez's departure from Everton is inevitable. His grip on the helm was loosened somewhat when Leighton Baines bemoaned a lack of chemistry with the team earlier in April.
After Saturday's tilt with the Cherries, Everton rounds off its Premier League season with games against Leicester City, Sunderland, and Norwich City.