Friday 13 May 2016 19:30, UK
Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard believes the players must take full responsibility for the sacking of Roberto Martinez.
After three years in charge, the Spaniard was sacked by the club on Thursday in the face of increasing fan unrest at the Toffees disappointing performances.
Everton have picked up only four points in the Premier League since March 5 and the 3-0 loss to Sunderland on Wednesday stretched their dismal run of form to just one win in 10 matches in all competitions.
Howard believes Martinez was let down by Everton's players and was sad to see the 42-year-old go.
Speaking about the decision by Everton to sack Martinez, Howard told Sky Sports News HQ: "It is harsh.
"I think the world of Roberto as a man and as a manager. He has been great to me. Actually, that is an understatement - he has been brilliant to me.
"Ever since the day he walked in, we have had a fantastic relationship so I am sad to see him go and I know the players are.
"The players need to take full responsibility. That is on us. Rightly or wrongly, they cannot sack 22 players. It is always the manager who pays the price for our failings so it is a difficult part of the business.
"But there will always be critics, particularly in this day and age with the way football is and the scrutiny that is on the teams and the managers."
Howard, 37, is set to make his 386th and final appearance for the club on Sunday against Norwich City before returning to Major League Soccer in the summer after 13 years in England to join Colorado Rapids.
