Leon Osman believes Everton were right to sack Roberto Martinez and has backed Ronald Koeman to succeed at Goodison Park.
Martinez led the Toffees to the semi-finals of both domestic cup competitions last season but also presided over a second consecutive bottom-half finish in the Premier League.
Everton finished fifth in Martinez's first season at the club but he was dismissed in May following back-to-back 11th-place finishes in the next two campaigns.
Martinez had been accused of losing the dressing room but Osman rejects such claims, insisting at the atmosphere was “pleasant” under the former Wigan Athletic boss.
However, Osman says Everton “needed” to make a change due to the sharp decline in their Premier League form under Martinez's stewardship.
"[Under Roberto] it was pleasant, it was good. There was always a good atmosphere, and we always enjoyed coming training," the experienced midfielder told BBC Merseyside.
"That first season was fantastic, when the feeling was good and we were winning games, but we lost our way a bit in the next two seasons.
"It was disappointing, and the way things developed was probably right. We needed to look for a new manager and that's what we did."
Everton have since turned to Koeman as Martinez's successor and Osman believes the Dutchman, who guided Southampton to sixth last term, has “all the attibutes” to thrive on Merseyside.
"It's a good appointment," Osman said. "If I was picking [the new manager] myself, I'd want a guy with Premier League experience. He's done a good job at Southampton, and he'd have been near the top of the list. Time will tell, but he looks like he has all the attributes to succeed.
"If this was his first job in management, you'd have the utmost respect for him due to his playing career. But he's done well as a manager too.
"The players will have a lot of respect for him, and from what it looks [like] it'll be a good appointment."
- Goal