MOYES: MARTYN BEST SIGNING

Everton manager David Moyes has today revealed that goalkeeper Nigel Martyn is probably one of the best signings he has ever made.

The 37-year-old has been without doubt one of Everton's key performers throughout the season and Moyes feels that without
Martyn's experience and influence the outcome of the season could have been very different.

Moyes said today: "I would reiterate that Nigel has been a terrific signing.

"He has saved us on many occasions this year and when you look at how close we've been to relegation at the end of the season, it is hard to put into words the value of his contribution and what it has meant to have him here.

"I would say he is one of my best signings as a manager because he came for nothing. He only had one year left on his Leeds contract but we took that over.

"It meant big pay cuts for him to leave Leeds and sign a two year deal with us. It has been a great piece of business and although he is 37 he certainly doesn't look ready for the knacker's yard yet!"

Martyn signed a two-year deal when he arrived from Leeds United on transfer deadline day last August and has been an ever-present in the Everton goal since making his debut against Newcastle as a substitute.

"He is longer in the tooth than we would have liked but keepers do play until they are older and his experience has been
invaluable," added Moyes.

"When Nigel is getting nearer the end of his time with us we know we have got Richard Wright ready to come in."