Lots of Everton fans have been flocking to reports that former Toffees manager Roberto Martinez has emerged as the frontrunner in the search for a replacement for Rafael Benitez.

On Sunday, Everton announced the departure of the 61-year-old as first team manager, putting an end to his seven-month tenure at the club. This news did not come as a surprise - the Toffees have produced one of their worst starts to the league for many years, as they sit 16th in the table beyond the midway point of the season, winning just one of their last 13 top-flight matches.

The final nail in the coffin for Benitez came as Everton embarrassingly lost to relegation-threatened Norwich City at Carrow Road on Saturday. The defeat came amid a toxic backdrop of fan protests demanding his sacking and even saw one spectator invade the pitch to try and confront the ex-Newcastle boss.

Following the Spaniard’s departure as manager, numerous candidates have been linked with the job. However, the most shocking reactions have arisen following the most recent news regarding former Toffees boss Martinez.

These Everton fans flock to Martinez manager news

According to Dominic King of the Daily Mail, the 48-year-old has emerged as the frontrunner for a return to Everton, less than six years after he was sacked by Farhad Moshiri.

Numerous Toffees fans flocked to the news of this report on Twitter, with many furious at hearing that Belgium would be due £2m in compensation if Martinez completes his Goodison Park return.

Here’s what these fans said, with some deploring the prospective £2m outlay and others unconvinced by the Spaniard given how badly his previous spell on Merseyside ended in 2016. One angry Evertonian even raged that re-hiring Martinez would be a "braindead appointment":

"This would be another braindead appointment that would end in inevitable disaster with most fans, again, saying we told you so."

Credit: @JMoran1982

"Tragedy becomes farce"

Credit: @RobertoBirquet

"Martinez not welcome. His teams cannot defend!"

Credit: @DoEfc

"This would be the most Everton thing ever! Well at least Benitez sold Digne so we could afford his severance pay! #27years"

Credit: @l4efc1

"Fold the club"

Credit: @MichaelHilditc5

"Disgrace"

Credit: @matt8820

 

In other news: This prospective Benitez successor would be a far more popular choice among many Everton fans