DAVID MOYES’ exit to Manchester United has been hard for the Everton squad to take – but one of the leading their players says they must look to the future.

The Blues are searching for a new manager for the first time in 11 years after Moyes agreed to join the Premier League champions at Old Trafford.

Everton are in the process of finding the right man to replace the 50-year-old Scot with the bookmakers’ odds favouring favouring a new man each day.

Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez is amongst those thought to be under consideration but his plans remain uncertain after the delayed a decision on his future.

The 39-year-old was yesterday expected to make it clear if he intends to stay at the DW Stadium or look for a new job, with the Blues a potential destination.

But after meeting with chairman Dave Whelan, it is though Martinez has asked for a few more days to gather his thoughts and will make a decision next week.

Stoke City are said to be interested in Martinez, who won the FA Cup with Wigan this season but also saw them relegated from the Premier League.

Whoever Everton name as their new boss, full-back Leighton Baines says the Blues must carry on the good work done by Moyes – although he admits losing their manager comes as a blow.

“It’s a massive loss to lose the manager,” said Baines.

“It was a sad day after the last game at Goodison particularly because you’ve been working with him for so long, he’s always around, he’s such a hard worker and he doesn’t miss a beat.

“It will be so strange the day we walk through the door and he’s not there.

“But football clubs live on and we’ll live on, we’ll move on.”

Baines says Moyes’ legacy at Goodison will always be strong but Everton cannot dwell on his departure.

“We’ll always remember what he did for the club and where he’s put us, but it’s up to the rest of us, the people who remain and the people who come in, to take it forward now and build on the foundations he’s worked hard to put in,” added Baines.