Phil Jagielka says the manner of Sunday’s win over West Ham illustrates why Everton’s future is bright.
The Blues recorded a convincing 2-0 victory over West Ham to end the season with just one league defeat at home.
It proved to be the perfect Goodison send-off for departing duo David Moyes and Phil Neville – and Jagielka believes the progress can continue.
Asked about the potential of the current side, the England international told evertontv: “I think that was the hardest decision for the manager, because he’s assembled a very good squad.
“He’s assembled a fantastic group and hopefully next season we’ll come back with a new manager in charge and he can carry on from where the gaffer’s left off.
“[Moyes and Neville] have given a long, large part of their life to this football club and made it into a better place. Phil’s been a fantastic captain and the manager’s record speaks for itself.
“We would have loved to have won something under him but maybe that’ll have to wait until next year.”
With attention turning to the final game of the season at Chelsea on Sunday, Everton are chasing a record Premier League points total.
And having already matched their best home record for 50 years with just one defeat, Jagielka is pleased the season is being concluded in style.
“We all knew what was at stake,” he continued.
“Emotions aside, we needed a win to finish off the season well at home.
“It’s always nice to play as well as we did. The first goal especially was fantastic.”