ROBERT ELSTONE believes new Everton boss Roberto Martinez epitomises the qualities enshrined in the club’s Latin motto.
The Blues chief executive said he was instantly impressed upon meeting the Spaniard, and quickly realised during early talks that he is hugely ambitious for the club’s future.
Elstone expressed his excitement at working with the FA Cup winner, and insisted the former Wigan manager was a natural fit for the Blues.
Martinez has already indicated that his long-term aim is to get Everton into the Champions League.
Elstone (below) said: “He’s set the bar very high, but we set the bar very high too. Our Latin motto of Nil Satis Nisi Optimum says it all. Our forefathers were fore-sighted enough to put out a motto which says nothing but the best will do and Roberto just echoed that.
“He’s not here to maintain the status quo. He’s not here to rest on any laurels.
“He’s here to take the club forward.
“That work ethic, that drive, that determination is clearly to be welcomed. Again I would say it will be reflected in everything the club does in support of that. I would say it augurs very well.
“I’m really, really excited. Roberto is really positive about the future. Undoubtedly we have a top manager, and as important as anything I think we have an ‘Everton’ manager
“I mean Everton in terms of Roberto’s outlook, his work ethic, the style of play... everything about him is very ‘Everton’ and that’s really important to us – and to our fans.”
Elstone admitted he watched with interest as the former Swansea boss guided the Latics to FA Cup glory last month – especially after they so ruthlessly dumped Everton out of the competition in March.
“The way in which Wigan came here in the FA Cup and, certainly for a period of the game, absolutely battered us indicates that Roberto knows how to win games,” he said. “Then in the FA Cup final, when I watched from the second half there was only one winner of that game.
“We’re very excited for the future.”
The Toffees chief executive also said the club’s new manager will get the best support possible from the Goodison board.
“We’re really excited about rolling up our sleeves and working with a guy who wants to drive the club forward so we’ve got a great team of people here who are ready for that challenge,” he said.
“I’m sure Roberto will hold us to that challenge but everything we do is about supporting him so when we’re looking to grow the club, when we’re looking to be more efficient with how we do things, all that is directed in one direction, which is towards Roberto and first team football.
“Our achievements over the last decade have been fantastic, and regular top five, sixth or seventh finishes are something we’re very proud of.
“But we’re not content with that.
“We all recognise that the Champions League places are occupied by infinitely wealthier clubs with far greater resources.
“Roberto outlined in his press conference that there is more to a successful football club than money. There’s spirit, work ethic, and blending great footballers with positive attitudes can go a long way. I think we can look forward to reaping the benefits of that.”
