Wigan boss Roberto Martinez vows to splash the cash in search for Marlon King replacement

04 December 2009 14:38
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez is ready to spend in January in a bid to keep the club in the Barclays Premier League.   [LNB]With just four weeks to go before the new transfer window opens, Martinez believes he requires another two or three players to see the Latics through to the end of the season.   [LNB]Martinez feels the current squad needs strengthening, notably in attack after losing the services of Marlon King.   [LNB] Wigan will be hoping to build on their win against Sunderland last weekend[LNB] WIGAN v Birmingham: A clean bill of health for Roberto Martinez ahead of City clashSunderland win consigns Spurs horror show to history, claims Wigan chiefAndy Townsend's boot room: Wigan can bounce back from Spurs maulingWigan boss Martinez insists he is now 'bulletproof' after video horro show. King was sacked by chairman Dave Whelan after receiving an 18-monthjail sentence after being found guilty of sexually assaulting andcausing actual bodily harm to a 20-year-old female student.   [LNB]Although Scott Sinclair is on loan from Chelsea, it leaves Martinezwith just Jason Scotland and Hugo Rodallega as his primary strikingoptions.  [LNB]Looking forward: Martinez will spend in January [LNB][LNB] 'We lost one player [King] we didn't expect to lose and we sent outa player on loan as well [Ben Watson to QPR],' Martinez said.  [LNB] 'We're a little light in numbers and we need to bring in two orthree players in the transfer window to give us the right balance to gointo the second half of the campaign with full confidence.   [LNB]'But we must have players with the right character, who are at theright moment in their careers, who can bring something different towhat we already have.   [LNB]'Importantly, with my focus on the players we have in the squad, the players coming in have to help them.   [LNB] 'I will never sign a player because it's the window and it's open, that's not the way I work.'   [LNB]Perhaps referring to King, Martinez insisted personality is as crucial as ability.   [LNB]'It's very easy to find the right player or someone who has theability you need, but to find out about their personality, theircharacter, takes a little longer," added Martinez. [LNB] Sacked: Marlon King's contract was terminated by Wigan chairman Dave Whelan [LNB] 'We need to make sure we discover that aspect because, as importantas bringing in the right players is bringing in the right human beings.[LNB]In terms of funds at his disposal, Wigan are at least in a positionof strength as Martinez does not have to sell to buy.  AntonioValencia's £16million move to Manchester United at the end of June alsomeans there is cash in the kitty.   [LNB]'We've got a few options and we'll look to see if they are right ones,' Martinez said.   [LNB]'As for money, it will depend a little on how the next six games go.   [LNB]'Given our situation here we don't have to sell anyone to balancethe books or are forced to sell, and that's probably our biggeststrength.'[LNB] The six matches referred to by Martinez come in the space of 23days this month, starting with tomorrow's visit of Birmingham to the DWStadium.   [LNB]Wigan's inconsistency means they go into the game looking to secureback-to-back wins for this first time this season.  Martinez at leasthas a fully-fit squad to choose from and will likely name an unchangedside after last Saturday's 1-0 victory over Sunderland.[LNB] WIGAN v Birmingham: A clean bill of health for Roberto Martinez ahead of City clashSunderland win consigns Spurs horror show to history, claims Wigan chiefAndy Townsend's boot room: Wigan can bounce back from Spurs maulingWigan boss Martinez insists he is now 'bulletproof' after video horro show. [LNB] [LNB]  Explore more:People:Marlon King, Antonio Valencia, Roberto Martinez, Dave WhelanPlaces:Birmingham

Source: Daily_Mail