Source: Daily_Mail
Wigan 4 Blackburn 3: We need new pitch to stay afloat, says Martinez
Roberto Martinez will hold talks with chairman Dave Whelan over the state of Wigan's notoriously bad pitch after downpours at the DW Stadium contributed to a deluge of goals in the hosts' 4-3 win against Blackburn.[LNB]With Wigan Warriors kicking off their Super League season next Saturday, and Martinez's side facing Manchester United and Spurs in two of their next three league games, Whelan faces the familiar prospect of paying out ?100,000 for a new playing surface. [LNB] Middle man: Wigan Athletic's Ben Watson scores his side's fourth goal from the penalty spot[LNB]The pitch has been relaid several times since Wigan moved to the stadium 12 years ago. It was relaid in March, but a bad winter and the way it turned into a quagmire on Saturday after seven hours of rain means the club may have to act earlier this season.[LNB]Martinez said: 'I will have to have a word with the chairman. It wasn't an issue before the game but it is now.'[LNB]The Wigan boss dismissed suggestions that a poorer playing surface could help his side. 'We need to have a perfect pitch no matter who we're playing against,' he added.[LNB] Rising star: Christopher Samba heads home Blackburn's second[LNB]Their first win in eight games gave them a two-point cushion over the bottom two, but with trips to Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea coming up, the pitch is not the only thing likely to give Wigan a sinking feeling.[LNB]Former Wigan striker Jason Roberts, who scored against his old club, insisted it was no excuse: 'I used to play here so I know what it's like, and it's not great.'[LNB] [LNB] Wigan 4 Blackburn 3: McCarthy double eases Latics out of the bottom threeVideo special: The seven best Premier League games (before Saturday's game at St James') [LNB] Explore more:People: Dave Whelan, Jason Roberts, Roberto Martinez Places: Liverpool
