Roberto Martinez believes Everton have got an 'incredible future' ahead of them as the club edges closer to completing its Bramley-Moore Dock move and new era under Frank Lampard.
The 2021/22 season has not been one to remember for Blues, but there are signs of recovery with Lampard now at the helm.
Since being appointed, the former Chelsea coach has overseen two wins from three and has secured the club's place in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
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Martinez was one of the names who emerged as an early candidate to replace Rafa Benitez back in January, though the Belgian FA blocked an approach from the Blues for the Spaniard to seal an unexpected Goodison Park return.
The 48-year-old has been keeping a close eye on his former employers regardless and is optimistic about what lies ahead for the club.
"It is always difficult when there is a change of manager," he said of Benitez's dismissal on BBC Radio Five Live :
"I thought it was an incredible reaction in the FA Cup game against Brentford. You could see that it was a new life. I think it is important for Everton to still be in the FA Cup and try to get real success there.
“I think Everton has got an incredible future," continued Martinez. "The news of the new stadium in two years, which is nothing in football, could give a real new start.
“Everton is a big club in terms of expectations. The fans know what it means to win the league, to win titles, it’s a long time ago but it is still in the DNA and the nature of the club.
“To have 22 points out of 22 games in the Premier League, this is a very difficult situation. But you look at the squad and the way Frank Lampard has come in, it’s given a new lease of life to some of the players.
"The last third of this season could be a really exciting one for all the Everton fans."
Everton will be looking to continue their positive start to life under Lampard on Saturday afternoon at Southampton, where another three points will be up for grabs.
