Jenkins digs his heels in and warns Wigan off Swansea boss Martinez

28 May 2009 16:15
Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins has already warned Wigan off manager Roberto Martinez, even though current Latics boss Steve Bruce is still in charge. Speculation is rife that Bruce is poised to take up the reins at Sunderland following Ricky Sbragia's departure, although it is unclear as to whether he has been given permission to speak to the Black Cats.   The situation is further clouded by the fact American tycoon Ellis Short completed a takeover of Sunderland yesterday (Wednesday), while Bruce today goes on holiday.   If Sunderland are seriously interested, Wigan chairman Dave Whelan would demand a considerable compensation figure for Bruce, potentially in the region of around £4million.   Bruce cost Whelan £3m when he prised him away from Birmingham in November 2007, and he still has another two years remaining on his Latics contract.   That has not stopped former Wigan hero Martinez, who is also reported to be attracting the attention of Celtic, being linked with a return to the club where he spent six years as a player from 1995 to 2001.   Yet a defiant Jenkins has not only vowed to hang onto his man after more than two years at the helm, but insists the Swans are a bigger club and have more potential than Wigan.   'I wouldn't let anyone speak to Roberto,' Jenkins told BBC Sport. 'I would speak to Roberto on any issues that come in. We've a good open relationship, and if and when any approach was made I would discuss that mater with him fully.   'I firmly believe it's the make-up of his personality that when he signs a contract he will see that through.   'We've a man in Roberto who's fully committed to his job, and under contract for a few years.   'I don't think he wants to get involved every year in the manager merry-go-round that exists in our game and that ruins most football teams.   'There's far more about him as a man than to get involved in that.'   As for comparing Wigan to Swansea, Jenkins added: 'They've got more funds available because of the Premier League handouts, so they would probably pay more wages and the manager would have a bigger budget towork with.   'But looking at it from my point of view, I don't see it as a step up at all.   'We've far more potential for a greater support than Wigan would ever have.   'I firmly believe Roberto should be looking to the top six in thePremier League, or the top teams around the world if and when hedecides to move on.   'He's young enough and he's got plenty of time on his side to do that.'

Source: Daily_Mail