<
>

Roberto Martinez defends Bill Kenwright, expects more signings

LIVERPOOL -- Everton manager Roberto Martinez insists he has chairman Bill Kenwright's backing to bring in more signings before the transfer window shuts.

Kenwright has been a target for criticism from a section of the club's support, who believe he has not done enough to attract investment.

A group of supporters hired a plane to fly over St Mary's during Everton's 3-0 victory at Southampton on Saturday, with a banner that read: "Kenwright and Co: Time to go."

Everton have been one of the least active clubs in the transfer market this summer, bringing in only midfielder Tom Cleverley from Manchester United and winger Gerard Deulofeu from Barcelona.

But Martinez, who is set to complete the signing of Argentina defender Ramiro Funes Mori this weekend, expects more players to come in and says he has his chairman's full support.

He said: "We are a big club with a big fan base. We're all emotional. We want to win games.

"From my point of view, the 3,000 away fans at Southampton were ecstatic with the result. That was the majority of fans and the main emotion. That's more important than a message.

"We care about our club. We've got an exciting squad with the best years of their career ahead.

"We've been very consistent about using the window in our favour. In terms of talking about what we spend, it's important to wait until the last day of the window.

"The signings we make are going to add something to the group like Tom Cleverley and Gerard Deulofeu have, and they will be quality additions.

"It's about seeing a strong squad and not just the team on the pitch."