Everton’s long-serving Kit Manager Jimmy Martin has announced his retirement.

Jimmy, who was the Men’s Senior Team coach driver during the halcyon days of the mid-80s before becoming the Club’s first-ever kit man in 1990, has decided to step down.

Initially employed as the coach driver, he drove the players and staff until Howard Kendall offered him his new role and he quickly became a hugely-popular member of the backroom staff.

At the time, only Manchester United had a kit man in English football but, during his time at Athletic Bilbao, Kendall saw the benefits of having someone in control full-time.

During his time in and around the dressing room, Jimmy worked with the likes of Kendall, Walter Smith, David Moyes, Roberto Martinez, Carlo Ancelotti and, of course, Sean Dyche.

He was on the bench in 1995 when Everton won the FA Cup at Wembley and Graham Stuart, in the team that day, said that his presence will be sorely missed around the Club.

“Jimmy is an Everton legend, no question about it,” said the former Blues player. “Finch Farm won’t be the same without him – it will certainly be quieter, that’s for sure! Nothing is ever too much trouble for Jimmy and he’s been a great friend of mine since the first day I walked through the door at Bellefield. I love the man.”

Ian Snodin was on the bus when Jimmy drove the newly-crowned League Champions back from Norwich City in May 1987.

“What a place to win the title!” said Snods. “There’s no quick way back from Norwich and the lads never wanted the journey to end. Jimmy was doing the minimum speed on the motorway but even then, Howard kept telling him to slow down!

“Jimmy has been a magnificent servant to Everton and I wish him and Marie all the very best for the future. Marie doesn’t know what she’s in for, having him under her feet all day!”

Look out on evertonfc.com in the near future for a full feature with Jimmy Martin.