Former Everton Manager Roberto Martinez Appointed As Belgium New Head Coach

Roberto Martinez has been appointed as the new head coach of Belgium.

The former Everton boss had been linked with the vacancy at Hull but will now lead Belgium into the World Cup 2018 qualifiers after signing a two-year deal.

The 43-year-old is set to fly out to Belgium on Thursday, when a press conference to formally introduce Martinez to the media is due to take place in Brussels. 

His first match will be against Spain in a friendly on September 1 in the Belgian capital.

The Spaniard had been on a three-man shortlist for the vacant position at Hull after Steve Bruce left the Premier League new boys earlier this summer, but that job is now set to go to either Chris Coleman or Gianfranco Zola.

Marc Wilmots was sacked after Belgium were knocked out by Wales in the Euro 2016 quarter-finals by Wales.

The Red Devils emerged from Group E in second place before dispatching of Hungary in the last 16. However, they were beaten by Wales in the quarter-finals - a precursor for Wilmots' stay being ended.

Martinez previously took charge of Swansea and Wigan, with whom he won the FA Cup in 2013, before being appointed to the top job at Goodison Park.

After finishing fifth in the Premier League in his first season in charge, Martinez's tenure at the Toffees became more and more fragile.

Everton finished 11th in 2014-15 and replicated that position last term, with the Spaniard eventually sacked after weeks of protests from fans.