Martinez set to wrap up Wigan move
Friday, 5 June 2009 07:35Wigan are expected to complete a deal to bring in Roberto Martinez as manager this morning.
The Barclays Premier League club were given permission by Swansea to speak to the Spaniard, a former Latics midfielder, after agreeing a compensation package of around £2million yesterday.
Martinez, 35, was hugely popular in his six years as a player with the club from 1995-2001 and has impressed since becoming a manager two years ago.
Martinez guided the Swans to the League One title last year and then within two places of the Championship play-offs this season.
Wigan have moved quickly to secure his services after losing Steve Bruce to Sunderland earlier this week.
Owner Dave Whelan told Sky Sports News: 'Roberto played good football and I've followed his career go on and on.
'His players play football from back to front, I like what I see and I am really excited Roberto is coming back to Wigan.'
Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins was reluctant to release Martinez and recently rebuffed interest from Celtic.
Whelan, having seen Sunderland swoop for Bruce, admits he can sympathise with the Welsh club.
He added: 'Football is a cruel game. Sometimes you don't want to lose a manager, I didn't want to lose Steve Bruce.
'I understand exactly where he is coming from but it is football and things move on.'
Swansea are now resigned to losing the highly-rated Martinez, who succeeded Kenny Jackett two years ago.
A statement read: Swansea City can confirm that they have reluctantly given Wigan Athletic permission to speak to Roberto Martinez about the vacant manager's position at the JJB Stadium.
'Permission was granted when Wigan's offer of compensation reached the appropriate level set by Swansea City, and was only given when taking into account Roberto's own wishes.'
Once the appointment is confirmed, Martinez will be given funding to strengthen the Latics squad.
Whelan said: 'We are not the biggest club, we have a budget. We will talk and we have the money we require to replace players. Roberto will be getting the funds that we can afford to replace the players we need.'
