Martinez named new Wigan manager
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has finally got his man
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Monday, 15, Jun 2009 10:02
Wigan have appointed Roberto Martinez as their new manager after agreeing a compensation package for his backroom staff with Swansea.
The former Latics player has put pen-to-paper on a three-year contract and replaces Steve Bruce at the club.
"I am delighted to be back at Wigan as I had a great time here as a player and the club has always been close to my heart," Martinez told the official Wigan website. "I am looking forward to getting stuck in and taking on teams in the best league in the world.
"The club have done incredibly well in the past five years. Firstly getting in the Premier League, staying there and pushing higher up the table. I want to carry on the good work Steve Bruce did here."
Martinez was expected to be unveiled as the new Wigan manager last week after the two clubs had agreed a deal to take the Spaniard to the JJB Stadium.
But the move was postponed at the last minute as Swansea claimed that no compensation package was agreed for Martinez's backroom staff, which includes assistant boss Graeme Jones, chief scout Kevin Reeves, goalkeeping coach Inaki Bergara and masseur Oscar Brau.
Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins revealed that although neither party were fully satisfied with the compensation which has now been sorted out, they have come to an agreement and Martinez was free to move to Wigan.
"I don't think either club are totally happy with the final compensation figure agreed for the backroom staff," Jenkins told the official Swansea website.
"But I think both clubs realise that this matter now needs to be concluded so that we can all move on and prepare for the new season.
"We will endeavour to keep Swans fans updated with any new managerial developments and a further statement will follow in due course."
Martinez had spent two seasons at Swansea and led them into the Championship after winning the League One title in 2008. The 35-year-old will now replace Bruce at Wigan and will be one of the youngest managers to ever lead a Premier League side.