David Unsworth has revealed that Roberto Martinez told Everton chairman Bill Kenwright to put him in charge of the final game of the season after the Spaniard was sacked.

Martinez's three-year spell in charge of the Toffees came to an end yesterday following a string of poor results that have dropped the club to 12th in the Premier League.

Unsworth, who is the manager of the Under-21s, will oversee the first team, along with Joe Royle, for the final game of the season at home to Norwich City on Sunday.

"It was a difficult day yesterday for everyone at the football club," Unsworth told reporters. "A good man has lost his job and that's always difficult, but that's football management. I think over the period you've got to win matches and it's been a difficult time for us.

"It was the proudest moment of my life yesterday when I got the call. At the same time, one of the most difficult days I've had being back at the club. My relationship with Roberto is outstanding. He was the one who rubber-stamped me coming back to this club. I've got nothing but great words to say about him, the way he was with me and the young players.

"Typical Roberto, he was the one who said to the chairman to put me in charge, so that's the measure of the man. It doesn't surprise me. He's a terrific guy."

Frank de Boer is the bookmakers' favourite to replace Martinez.