“I will take Everton into the Champions league”  - Roberto Martinez, in press conference when appointed as Everton manager.

Optimism and enthusiasm was the only thing in fans minds. A new era dawned on Goodison, as Roberto Martinez was unveiled as the new Everton manager, replacing the long term manager, David Moyes. In the previous season Martinez had managed Wigan Athletic, getting them relegated, but this did not keep Toffee’s fans doubtful; They knew his style of play was attractive, and they knew he was determined to take Everton into a top 4 position. Now, notice the past tense, he WAS determined. As the season continued, Everton were still imposing a threat to the ‘bigger clubs’, lingering around 4th spot. Now, with about 3/4 of the season gone, Everton are in 7th, 11 points off rivals Liverpool, in 4th. Is there a way back? Martinez’s promise seems a long shot now, so what will he do next?

Although dreams of the Champions League are fading, the Spaniard and his squad are only 5 points away from a Europa League qualification, with 12 games remaining. Everton can also qualify for Europa league by winning the FA cup, but which will Martinez prioritize? It seems an eternity since Everton last won a trophy, 19 years to be precise, and fans are getting restless. Everton came close last season, getting to the quarter finals, but were knocked out by Martinez’s Wigan side in a 3-0 home defeat. Wigan then went on to win it, beating Manchester City 1-0. And now, looking at it, it’s not impossible with Everton. The Toffee’s face Arsenal at the Emirates in the next round, which will prove a tough game, but again, it’s not impossible. With opponents like Chelsea, United and Liverpool out, supporters remain positive, besides, who better to guide them to glory, than the current FA cup winner!

“They were the toughest opponents we’ve faced all season, including champions league!” – Wenger on Everton when they drew 1-1 at the Emirates earlier in the season

Saying this, the league is equally influential. It’s vital that you finish in the top end, in order to receive high income, and this is even more imperative for a club like Everton, in need of money. Only just missing out on Europe these past couple of seasons, Everton have not acquired the TV and sponsorship money, that they greatly need. Finishing above arch-rivals Liverpool has been a great triumph, considering the financial difference of the two clubs; But this just doesn’t seem likely this season. It’s Europe, or nothing.

Injuries are still a big dilemma for Everton, with players having to validate their capability, proving they’re a reliable back up, when needed.  And they have; Naismith in particular has been fantastic, and has improved considerably under Martinez. However, this will not help in the long run. If Everton do qualify for Europe, they need depth in their squad, which they’re lacking at this current time. Managers can’t rely on their first squad, they need capable back up players, in case of injuries; And you can’t get good back up players without money. It’s like a circle.

At a financial disadvantage, it will be an arduous task against the likes of Tottenham and Liverpool in the league, and Arsenal in the next round of the cup. I have no doubt Everton will, one day, return to their historic ways and be competing in the Champions league, and if anyone can deliver it, it will be Martinez. But for now, he needs money, And that comes from the Europa league.

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