Martinez saga frustrates Whelan

12 June 2009 08:09
Wigan are hoping to finally name Roberto Martinez as their new manager within the next week after chairman Dave Whelan was left "frustrated and disappointed" at a last-minute hitch to proceedings. Martinez, 35, was due to be unveiled to the waiting media on Thursday. Instead he sat patiently in the stadium without being called, and he effectively remains Swansea's manager after the Coca-Cola Championship club demanded compensation for the backroom staff he wants to take to Wigan. Chief executive Brenda Spencer said: "As everyone knows Roberto was his number one choice. To get Roberto to sign on the dotted line is what everybody wants, including Dave Whelan. He's disappointed and frustrated." Martinez wants to bring in four of his current staff - two who are under contract and two who are not. Currently working under his wing at the Liberty Stadium are his assistant Graeme Jones, chief scout Kevin Reeves, goalkeeping coach Inaki Bergara, physio Richie Evans and fitness coach Oscar Brau. Spencer claimed the issue of backroom staff had not arisen until Wednesday. She said: "We have done the deal with Swansea for Roberto. We had not spoken about other staff with Roberto until we met that night. "I had a meeting with him along with the chairman. That's where he mentioned staff he would like to bring along. "A couple of the staff he wants to bring are out of contract so there is no issue there. Two of the staff he wants to bring are under contract. "We hope to get something sorted certainly by early next week. I would just say to the fans to hold on tight and keep their fingers crossed and their toes crossed."

Source: Eurosport