“The appointment everyone was hoping for”

Leighton Baines has admitted Ronald Koeman was the man ‘everyone was hoping’ would be appointed Everton manager.

Baines told everton.tv: “It’s what we’ve all been waiting for and anticipating.

“It’s been really well received and it’s the appointment everyone was hoping for.

“It’s an interesting summer for this football club and the appointment of a new manager means everyone can start to look forward to what’s to come.

“His reputation speaks for itself. As a player he was obviously top drawer and he’s on that path now as a manager as well.

“He did a fantastic job – in what was a difficult job – at Southampton with the players they lost.

“And that’s why I think our chairman (Bill Kenwright) and Mr Moshiri (Everton’s majority shareholder Farhad) were so focused on making him the man.

“We are just delighted that he is in now and are all looking forward to working with him.”