Martinez reveals Wigan dream

14 August 2009 16:47
Roberto Martinez says it is a dream come true being a part of Wigan's upcoming Premier League campaign. The Spaniard signed for Wigan as a player in 1995 when the club were playing in the lower echelons of English football. Part of the 'Three Amigos', he played at Springfield Park alongside the likes of Jesus Seba and Isidro Diaz. Back then, Premier League football may have seemed like a bridge too far for most, but Martinez insists he had high hopes for the club. Sharing the same desire and vision as owner Dave Whelan, he says it was always his intention to be a part of a top-flight Latics side. "That's why we signed for Wigan," he said. "Dave Whelan was a very infectious character. "He told us the only reason he bought the club was to play in the Premier League and to build a new stadium and when Mr Whelan tells you something you immediately believe that he is going to achieve it." He added: "Many eyebrows were raised when we signed for Wigan in the old Second Division but the reason was we wanted to be part of the club and we could feel the success behind it. Now is a moment to be proud when you look where we are. "It will be a nice feeling in terms of seeing that circle completed, but I don't think the circle will ever be finished until we can compete at Premier League level and that is the challenge. "I don't think you can enjoy the circle because now the job really starts for Wigan Athletic to try and go to the next level." Martinez has, so far, completed summer swoops for Swansea striker Jason Scotland and Hamilton midfielder James McCarthy. Chelsea winger Scott Sinclair is the latest in a string of new arrivals at the JJB Stadium as the Latics boss bids to replace a significant number of high-profile departures. "There has been a huge turnaround of players and that demands a little bit of time," he said. "We have lost players who were very influential to what happened to Wigan last campaign. If any squad in the world lost seven of the starting 11 it would take time and be difficult. "If we were to go out and try and replace those players, player for player, it would be impossible in the current financial climate, so we need to find another way to play and be creative and find different responsibilities within the side, and I am happy with that. "It will take time to get it right but on the other side it is also a huge challenge. I am full of energy, I am excited and I am looking forward to what we have got in front of us."

Source: SKY_Sports