Roberto Martinez Stays On As Wigan Manager

Roberto Martinez has decided to stay on as Wigan manager, after turning down the chance to become the new boss at Aston Villa.

The Spaniard had become the favourite to succeed Gerard Houllier at Villa Park but has chosen to sign a new contract at the DW Stadium instead.

A Villa statement read: "Roberto met with his chairman earlier this week and he made the decision to honour his commitment to Wigan."

The statement added: "The club would like to thank Wigan Athletic Football Club and its chairman, Dave Whelan, for their professionalism in dealing with our request to speak to Roberto Martinez.

"Roberto's qualities as a young and aspirational manager ensured him of a position high on our shortlist of potential new managers.

"Given that he had one year remaining on his contract at Wigan, we made an official approach through the proper channels, though we were aware of a commitment he had made to his club to agree and sign a new contract following the final game of last season.

"We remain focused and are working hard to secure the best candidate for Aston Villa."

Whelan has already admitted he expects Martinez to move on to a bigger club in future but the offer of a new deal has persuaded him to stay loyal.