Source: SKY_Sports
Martinez concedes Latics' flaw
Roberto Martinez has conceded Wigan Athletic have become somewhat of a stepping stone in players' careers.
The Spaniard, who replaced Steve Bruce at the DW Stadium this summer, says Wigan cannot compete financially or historically with their Premier League rivals.
Wigan cashed in on Lee Cattermole last week after selling him to Sunderland for £6million, one year after snapping him up from Middlesbrough for just £3.5m.
The 36-year-old, who began life as a Premier League manager with a 2-0 win at Aston Villa, believes telling the club's rise-up-the ranks story is as important as anything.
Martinez has hinted he will strengthen on the back of Cattermole's sale and is looking for the 'right' characters to help the Latics compete in England's top flight.
Creative"We are one of the only clubs who makes a profit in the transfer market. So we have to be creative in what we do," explained Martinez in the Daily Star.
"When people are choosing, they look first for money and the chance to win trophies. We cannot offer either.
"But we can give them something else which is to look after them and provide them with a platform for their career.
"This is a unique club. So when I want to sign a player I tell the story of what happened to me when I first came here and they see it.
"The stability is a feeling. They look at what has happened in the last 10 to 15 years and it's a great story.
"We are looking for the right characters and that's the only way we can compete in the Premier League."
