Whelan: I'll never sack Martinez

16 June 2009 16:38
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has vowed to stand by Roberto Martinez through the length of his three-year contract. Whelan maintains a special bond with the Spaniard, who spent six years as a player at the club from 1995. Martinez succeeds Steve Bruce as manager following his protracted move from Coca-Cola Championship side Swansea. At 35, he is the Premier League's youngest boss and Whelan said: "Roberto has my full backing. I will never sack Roberto from Wigan. He is here for three years. If we go down in that time Roberto will go down with us. "I believe in this lad totally. I am going to stay with him. When Steve Bruce left for Sunderland, there was only one man who came to mind and that was Roberto. I have worked with him and know how dedicated he is to football. "I brought him here in 1995 and he revolutionised Wigan. He excited our supporters as he was so skilful. What he has done since has been fantastic. He has his own ideas and I like his ideas."

Source: Eurosport