Roberto Martinez To Stay At Wigan

In-demand Wigan boss Roberto Martinez is sensationally set to stay at the Premier League club. In recent weeks the Spaniard has been hotly linked with a move away, with Liverpool the most likely destination, however he has now made the surprise decision to remain at Wigan, on the condition that he will be given the funds to bolster his squad this summer. The news will be greeted with jubilation from Wigan fans who had become resigned to losing their manager.

Martinez enjoyed a fine end to the 2011/12 season, leading his struggling side to an astonishing seven wins from their final nine matches to rescue them from what seemed like certain relegation. However, as a result of Wigan’s electrifying finish, where they beat the likes of Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle, Martinez became a wanted man. Following the departure of Kenny Dalglish the 38-year-old emerged as the hot favourite for the Liverpool job, and after holding talks with the owners in Miami he looked certain to become their new manager. However, Martinez is reported to have been put off at the prospect of working with a director of football and negotiations broke down.

Meanwhile it has also come to light that Martinez also held talks with Aston Villa, who he rejected last summer, but has now finally decided to remain at the DW Stadium. Latics Chairman Dave Whelan, who no doubt had a big part in persuading Martinez to stay, is set to provide his manager with transfer funds along with investment into the club’s academy and training facilities.