Roberto Martinez has praised Everton chairman Bill Kenwright and said he has been influential in the clubs start to the season.
“It is only three months into it, but I have been so impressed,” said the Goodison manager. “The chairman has been influential in everything we have done so far and in every deal.
“We help each other but he is an incredible, incredible influence in the day-to-day running at Everton.
“As a chairman, he is a real example of how to look after a football club. I think all the fans should know how fortunate we are as a football to have Bill Kenwright as a chairman at Everton.”
Having worked under Dave Whelan at Wigan Athletic, Martinez understands the significance of a supporter being at the helm.
“To have an understanding chairman is important and the way to be an understanding chairman is when they have the right reasons to be in that position – and that is just loving the football club and being a true fan,” said the Spaniard.
“I have always been very aware of that. Dave Whelan is Mr Wigan Athletic really. And Bill Kenwright is just an Evertonian. His life is around Goodison Park and Everton itself and he was brought up in that culture.
“Believe me, the difference is that when there is a big issue, the answer is not about finances or short-term reward, the answer is always for the good and benefit of Everton.
“The chairman is the man who is capable of making those calls so as a manager you need a chairman who has the good of the club at his heart.”
Martinez will be put his unbeaten record to the test this evening when Everton take their next step on the road to Wembley with a Capital One Cup third round tie at Fulham.
The Spaniard, meanwhile, has distanced himself from speculation over the long-term future of Baines, who has less than two years left on his current deal.
Baines demonstrated his focus remains on Everton by netting two magnificent free-kicks in Saturday’s 3-2 Premier League win at West Ham United.
And Martinez said: “At the moment all we are concentrating on is the games and any individual contracts or situations are put aside.
“In the last two games, once the window was closed, it is closure and he can concentrate on his football.
“The only thing that concerns me is just to make sure he’s as fit as he can be and gets in a stronger position and balances the demands of England and club level. That’s what I’m focused on, that his day to day is perfect.
“Everything else, behind the scenes we’re happy with the situation and we’re making sure he’s happy as well.”
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