Koeman excited by challenge at "ambitious" Everton

Ronald Koeman has expressed his delight at being appointed Everton manager on a three-year deal.

The Dutchman leaves Southampton to succeed Roberto Martinez at Goodison Park after two successful seasons on the south coast.

Everton made Koeman their number one target but it initially seemed as though the former Ajax boss was staying St Mary's.

However, Koeman admits he was struck by Everton's ambition under new majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri and that appears to have been key in his decision to join.

Speaking to Everton's official site about his appointment, Koeman said:

"I am very excited to be Everton manager. 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."

Bill Kenwright added:

"We are really pleased to have secured the man who was our No.1 target from the moment we set out to appoint a new manager.

"Ronald has such a strong track record in the game, instantly commanding respect for what he achieved as a player and for his qualities and accomplishments as a manager.

"The hopes and aspirations that we all have as Evertonians are with him, as is our total support at Board, shareholder and fan level."