• Premier League

Kenwright: Martinez pledged Champions League football

ESPN staff
June 5, 2013

New Everton manager Roberto Martinez has promised chairman Bill Kenwright that he will guide the club into the Champions League.

Martinez was finally confirmed as David Moyes' successor on Wednesday, and Kenwright revealed at a press conference that the former Wigan boss intends to lead the Toffees into the top four.

Comparing his experiences with Moyes and Martinez, the chairman said: "When David first came to see me, he sat down 11 years ago and we were in a bad state, and he said: 'We're not going down'. Almost Roberto's first words to me were: 'I'll get you in the Champions League'."

Martinez, who said he would not necessarily raid his former club for signings, insisted Everton could compete with the Premier League's big spenders.

"We have a very strong team and over the next few months we need to get together and make sure we are a winning side," he said. "Finishing in the top six was magnificent for Everton but we need to achieve more.

"There are six teams who are competing at a different financial level to the others. What is true is not always you need the money to achieve your aims.

"The aim for Everton should be to get into the Champions League. That doesn't mean next season but that has to be the aim for the future. It is not going to happen overnight. In football you need to be creative, find a way to be creative.

"We want to be involved in Europe and the Champions League, and we have to have the dream to fight for."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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