Everton have announced that tonight's end-of-season awards have been postponed following the departure of manager Roberto Martinez.
The Merseyside outfit confirmed this afternoon that Martinez has been relieved of his duties following a disappointing campaign.
A 12th-place finish is on the cards as they currently hold that position ahead of Sunday's final game of the season against Norwich City at Goodison Park.
Out of respect for Martinez, who guided the team to just 10 league wins in 37 games, the club have opted to delay their awards dinner, which was due to be held tonight at St George's Hall.
A statement from the club read: "Roberto has shown great commitment and dignity throughout his time at Everton and the club feels it should reciprocate by rescheduling the event. The club hopes that those due to attend would agree that the planned celebration would be inappropriate in the circumstances.
"We appreciate that many people will be disappointed but we hope there will also be an understanding of why this decision was taken. The club will invite all who had planned to attend to an event before the start of next season at which players and club officials will also be in attendance.
"The club will contact all guests as soon as possible and will provide rearranged details as soon as they become known."
Frank de Boer, who left Ajax this week, is currently the bookmakers' favourite to take over at the Merseyside outfit.
Danielle Joynson
