David Moyes has claimed he was not making plans to leave Everton ahead of agreeing to replace Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.
After it was confirmed on Thursday that the Scot is to take over at Old Trafford following Ferguson's retirement, Moyes is confident that his replacement will find success easier to come by due to the chairman's commitment.
Moyes' contract was set to expire in the close season and had been linked with a move to German side Schalke but he explained that there were plans in place for what he wanted to achieve at Goodison Park.
"I wasn't planning on leaving," he said. "My contract was running out but we were planning for pre-season. All we've ever done here is keep planning.
"The chairman has been really good for me and he will be really good for the next manager because he is a great chairman.
"The fans have been great to me from day one here. I would like to say thank you for that support they've always given me.
"It was very difficult meeting with the chairman this week. I have great respect for him and we've had a great relationship."
Sunday's fixture against West Ham at Goodison Park will be the last home game of Moyes' tenure at the club but he is keen to honour the players after a season which has seen them climb to sixth place.
"I think Sunday will be emotional because I've been so close to the players and the people around Goodison," he added.
"The players this year have been exceptional and I would hate to think Sunday and next week are about David Moyes."
Another man who will say his goodbyes to Goodison Park on Sunday is captain Phil Neville who will leave the club having made 303 appearances for them.
"With the events of this week for Everton, for me personally, the manager, players, supporters and chairman, it will be one of those special days we remember for the rest of our lives," Neville said.
"Forget my situation, just in terms of the celebration of the manager and his achievements it is going to be an unbelievable day and one I can't wait to be involved in.
"I don't want any fuss, I've not deserved the fuss, I've just been a player. Better players than me have left this club and have achieved more than me at this club."
