MIKE Walker has been confirmed as the manager of Everton -- just hours

after controversially resigning the post at Norwich City. Walker cited

his ambition -- and the need for long-term security -- as reasons for

his move and has signed a three-and-a-half year contract.

But Norwich will be making an official complaint to the English

Football Association that Everton ''poached'' Walker away. ''We feel

Everton have effectively induced Mike Walker to take this action,'' said

Norwich chairman Robert Chase, ''and we will be sending an official,

written complaint.

''I am surprised Mike has walked away. I have got to know him well and

it surprises me anyone would walk away from a football club a day before

an important game.''

At a news conference at Goodison Park last night, Walker said:

''Norwich City have done very well, the players did excellently for me,

and the fans were magnificent. But Everton are one of the biggest clubs

in the country. I'm sure with a bit of work and attention we can return

to the rightful place.

''One thing I like to do is to try to play football in what I call the

right way. Everton have always been synonymous with that kind of play

and it looks like, hopefully, a good marriage.''

Everton have not won a game and have scored only two goals since the

resignation of Howard Kendall on December 4, and Walker admitted the

club were struggling. But though Marsh said funds would be available for

the new manager, even before the current takeover wrangle is resolved,

Walker hinted he might not be in a hurry to spend.

''I need to look at the players that are here. When I took over at

Carrow Road the team had just escaped relegation and with only two new

players we finished third the following season.

''There is a certain amount of work you can do with the players. A new

manager may be able to get more out of them just because it's a new man

with a different personality and a different way of doing things.''