• Premier League

Martinez turns down Villa to stay at Wigan

Roberto Martinez has decided to remain at Wigan Athletic, ensuring Aston Villa will have to look elsewhere for a new manager.

The Spaniard had been Villa's top candidate to replace the departed Gerard Houllier, and the Latics had previously given permission for both parties to discuss a deal. But, after meeting with chairman Dave Whelan on Friday, Martinez decided to honour his commitment to the club and remain at the DW Stadium.

"Over the last two years the chairman has been very supportive to me and loyal and now I feel I need to be loyal and supportive back to him," Martinez said in a statement.

"I haven't finished my job at Wigan Athletic - there is much work still to be done. I don't know how long that will take but such is the belief that I have always had that I would only ever decide to move once the club is ready for a new manager."

Whelan was delighted to hear his manager's news, having previously been confident he would show loyalty.

"Roberto's staying, that's great news," Whelan told Sky Sports News. "I had a good feeling he'd stay. He's signing a new three-year contract today or tomorrow, but money is not what this has been about.

"I'm sure Villa are disappointed, but I'm over the moon."

Villa issued a statement thanking Wigan for their conduct and insisting they would have the right man in place before pre-season training begins.

"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," a Villa statement said. "Roberto's qualities as a young and aspirational manager ensured him of a position high on our short list of potential new managers.

"Roberto met with his chairman earlier this week and he has made the decision to honour his commitment to Wigan.

"Therefore, we have not met Roberto and we have not had the opportunity to discuss the vacant managerial role with him.

"We remain focused and are working hard to secure the best candidate for Aston Villa. [We] will have the new manager in place to prepare the players for the pre-season programme and next season's campaign."

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