Latics confirm appointment of Roberto Martinez as club manager

Wigan Athletic Football Club are delighted to announce the appointment of one of the most highly rated young managers in Europe, Roberto Martinez.

The 35 year old has signed a three year contract with the Latics and makes a welcome return to the Club.

Martinez has proved himself as a manager at Swansea City with promotion to the Championship in 2007/08 and then he guided them to a strong season just missing out on a play-off place in their first season.

He is relishing the chance of managing in the Barclays Premier League, soon after signing his deal Martinez told the official website "I am delighted to be back at Wigan Athletic, as you know I had a great time here as a player and the club has always been close to my heart. I am looking forward to getting stuck in and taking on teams in the best league in the world.


"I cannot wait for my first game at the DW stadium, it seems like a long time away but there is a lot of work to do before then.

"The club has done incredibly well over the past five years, firstly getting into the Premier League and staying there, last year not only staying there but pushing higher up the table, I want to carry on the good work Steve Bruce did here.

Martinez joined the club as a player in July 1995, soon after Chairman Dave Whelan bought the Latics, and was one of the three amigos, along side Jesús Seba and Isidro Díaz who made such an impact in their time at Springfield Park. 'Bob', as he became affectionately known by supporters went on to make 226 appearances in six years.

"So much has changed at the club and there have been fantastic improvements both on and off the pitch, I am really looking forward to working again with the Chairman and everyone at the club and I am sure we can build on what has already been achieved"

Wigan Athletic Chairman, Dave Whelan said "Roberto was always my number one choice and I am over the moon to bring him back to the club. I have always liked Roberto and have always taken notice of how he is getting on.

"What he has achieved at Swansea, getting them promoted and almost reaching the play-offs is a remarkable achievement and shows to me he has the skills and quality we need to be a success here.

"I am sure everyone in the town of Wigan will be just as excited as me to welcome back Roberto."