Koeman leaves Southampton to become Everton manager

Everton has announced the appointment of Ronald Koeman as manager after the former Southampton gaffer signed a three-year contract to keep him at Goodison Park until 2019.

(Courtesy: Everton)

News of Koeman's hiring came shortly after Southampton confirmed it had accepted his resignation Tuesday.

"I am very excited to be Everton manager," Koeman said. "I believe in the club, in the team, in the fans and in our ability to achieve things in the future.

"Everton is a club with a great history and real ambition and it is a proud feeling for me to be part of what we want to go and do, together with the Chairman and Farhad Moshiri.

"I am looking forward to meeting everyone at the Club and to preparing for a big season in the Premier League."

The Dutch manager led the Saints to a sixth-place finish during the 2015-16 Premier League campaign, his second season in charge. But reports of unrest and a disagreement over philosophy ignited rumours of his impending departure.

In a statement, Southampton announced the search for Koeman's replacement is already underway.

Koeman fills the void left by Roberto Martinez after the Spanish manager was relieved of his duties following a disappointing season where Everton finished 11th in the table.