The Spaniard could well have been out of a job had a weaker man been at the ultimate helm of the football club. However Dave Whelan stood by Martinez through the recent run of results and Martinez believes this will ultimately make the club stronger.
Speaking to FIFA.com the Latics boss said: "Big changes take a long time and the chairman understood that and he supported me through thick and thin.
"Now we have the rewards, two years later we have an average group that has played a lot of games in the Premier League but with a very young age, and that gives you real good assets in the football club.
"But I think the way to play now is quite established in our football club, and to do that you need to be a chairman that has been involved on the playing field - not just in football - but on the playing field.
"He's played in every division, he's been a chairman in every division and that's a huge strength for any manager to have that relationship with a chairman, that he understands the game, he understands the footballer, he can see if you're going in the right direction or not beyond the results."
There was also a message regarding the future of the club. In recent weeks there has been much speculation over what will happen if Dave Whelan were to step down.
"You can't imagine Wigan Athletic without Dave Whelan, one doesn't go without the other," added Martinez.
"The chairman, actively or not, will always have the presence, meaning and soul of this football club.
"I don't believe him when he says that he's going to step down, he'll have to be pushed away to leave Wigan Athletic."
Source: FOOTYMAD
