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Leighton Baines on new Everton boss: Every player wanted Ronald Koeman to join
EVERTON defender Leighton Baines admits Ronald Koeman's appointment was the one "everyone was hoping for".
Leighton Baines looking forward to working under Ronald Koeman
The players have had to wait over a month to discover the identity of their new boss, playing the final match of last season under the charge of Under-21 coach David Unsworth after Roberto Martinez was sacked.
Everton are understood to have paid £5million in compensation to Southampton for Koeman, who put pen to paper on his three-year Goodison Park deal yesterday.
And Baines told everton.tv on the Dutchman's arrival: "It's what we've all been waiting for and anticipating.
"It's been really well received and it's the appointment everyone was hoping for.
"It's an interesting summer for this football club and the appointment of a new manager means everyone can start to look forward to what's to come.
"His reputation speaks for itself. As a player he was obviously top drawer and he's on that path now as a manager as well.
Ronald Koeman officially took charge yesterday
"He did a fantastic job - in what was a difficult job - at Southampton with the players they lost.
"And that's why I think our chairman (Bill Kenwright) and Mr Moshiri (Everton's majority shareholder Farhad) were so focused on making him the man.
"We are just delighted that he is in now and are all looking forward to working with him."