Whelan delight

Happy days in Greater Manchester, for Wigan supporters at least. Roberto Martinez has decided to remain at the DW Stadium, something his chairman, Dave Whelan, took great delight in telling Sky Sports on Wednesday evening.

Martinez, who had held talks with both Liverpool and Aston Villa about their vacant managerial positions, was pipped to the Anfield post by Swansea manager, Brendan Rodgers, whilst, Norwich boss, Paul Lambert is on course to take over at Villa Park.

Whelan didn't seem too concerned by the interest in his manager from the second city outfit, who failed to land the Spanish chief a year ago, because he didn't see them as 'big enough' to tempt the highly rated former Swansea boss, according to football365.

Speaking on the subject, the 75 year old owner said: 'Roberto is staying at Wigan and, of course, I am absolutely delighted. He was never offered the job at Liverpool because he wasn't happy with the way the job was presented to him.

'He has had some talks with Villa, but he's not going to go there. Villa are a fantastic club with great fans, but I never thought they were big enough for him.

'I've said all along that I never thought he would end up there, and, fortunately for us, that's how it has turned out. If Roberto is to go anywhere, it will be to one of the top clubs in Europe. We're just so pleased that he's staying with us for another season.'

After holding talks yesterday, Whelan and Martinez are aiming to put plans in place to ensure that Wigan extend their 7 year stay in the top flight.

The Latics supremo added: 'We've discussed a lot of things and it was a productive afternoon. He's got two years left on his current contract and we will be looking to extend that.

'We've also agreed to build up the academy and the training facilities.

'We want Roberto to be happy at Wigan and we'll be aiming to make sure we do everything to help him.'

@georgepowell8