Everton sacks Martinez after dismal season

Wednesday's loss to Sunderland was Roberto Martinez's last match in charge of Everton as the Merseyside outfit announced Thursday that it's parted ways with the Spanish gaffer after three seasons.

The decision follows weeks of unrest in the stands, with Everton supporters voicing their displeasure as the club stumbles toward the end of the season, winner of just one of its last 10 Premier League fixtures.

"The chairman and the board of directors would like to place on record their thanks for the dedication and commitment Roberto has shown," the team said in a statement.

Martinez becomes the second Merseyside manager to lose his job after Brendan Rodgers' firing from Liverpool, with three years remaining on Martinez's current deal.

The team's latest run of results saw a loss help Leicester City clinch the Premier League title, while another Everton loss to Sunderland helped the Black Cats avoid relegation.

Although the club has yet to name his successor, there's no shortage of candidates: Frank de Boer, who announced his resignation from Ajax on Thursday, has expressed an interest in coaching Everton. Meanwhile, former Toffees gaffer David Moyes has been linked with a return to Goodison Park.

Martinez's first season in charge triggered hope that the club was on the verge of breaking into the top four of the table after he guided Everton to its best points total in the Premier League era with 72 points and a fifth-place finish.

However, the club regressed over the two campaigns that followed and registered just 47 points last season - a total Everton can match with a win during its final fixture of the season Sunday against Norwich City.

The dismal win total at Goodison Park, where the Toffees won just five times, is tied with Bournemouth for the second-worst total ahead of relegated Aston Villa (two).

Regardless of Sunday's result, Everton will finish in the bottom half of the standings for a second straight season.