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Roberto Martinez (AFP)
London - Wigan chairperson Dave Whelan has revealed that he thinks Roberto Martinez should join Everton, after confirming that Martinez has left the club.
Talksport are reporting that Whelan confirmed Martinez approached him to leave Wigan and that he granted his request.
"Roberto did ask for some time to think. He went to Barcelona and spoke with his parents, his wife and family.
"It’s not an easy decision for him. He loves Wigan Athletic, the supporters and the way the club is run. I have to respect his decision. I have half expected it so I’m not surprised.
"Bill Kenwright [the Everton chairman] rang me on Friday and asked permission to speak to Roberto and I said ‘we are having a meeting today where we will decide his future’. So Bill asked to speak to him should he leave and I gave him permission.
"Whether Roberto decided to leave or not, I would never stop a football club speaking to a manager of mine.
"One thing Everton have got is Bill Kenwright, who is one honest guy. I would trust him implicitly and, if I was Roberto, I would listen very keenly to what Everton have got to say."
When asked about the possibility of moving to La Liga, Whelan added: "I don’t think so. The Premier League is the finest league in the world and I think Roberto knows that. I think he’ll stay in the Premier League.”
On looking for a new manager, Whelan said: "There is a vacancy for a new man, we’re now looking and in the market. He needs to be ambitious and wants to take Wigan back into the Premier League."
"We’re looking for ambition, ability and personality.
"It’s a very difficult to manage a football club. He’s got to be a good honest guy, whose heart and soul is in Wigan Athletic I’ve never turned my back on anyone if football, it’s that type of game. Everybody should have respect for each other.
"There are some very good managers about, some good young ones so we’ll have to wait and see. I’m open to offers.
"The search is on right now. I hope we get a lot of quality applications and I hope I’m lucky enough to pick the right guy who can get us straight back in the Premier League.
"Next season is very exciting for us, we’re in Europe, we’re the FA Cup holders, so any manager coming in has a very big challenge but one that i would regard as being very exciting."
Talksport are reporting that Whelan confirmed Martinez approached him to leave Wigan and that he granted his request.
"Roberto did ask for some time to think. He went to Barcelona and spoke with his parents, his wife and family.
"It’s not an easy decision for him. He loves Wigan Athletic, the supporters and the way the club is run. I have to respect his decision. I have half expected it so I’m not surprised.
"Bill Kenwright [the Everton chairman] rang me on Friday and asked permission to speak to Roberto and I said ‘we are having a meeting today where we will decide his future’. So Bill asked to speak to him should he leave and I gave him permission.
"Whether Roberto decided to leave or not, I would never stop a football club speaking to a manager of mine.
"One thing Everton have got is Bill Kenwright, who is one honest guy. I would trust him implicitly and, if I was Roberto, I would listen very keenly to what Everton have got to say."
When asked about the possibility of moving to La Liga, Whelan added: "I don’t think so. The Premier League is the finest league in the world and I think Roberto knows that. I think he’ll stay in the Premier League.”
On looking for a new manager, Whelan said: "There is a vacancy for a new man, we’re now looking and in the market. He needs to be ambitious and wants to take Wigan back into the Premier League."
"We’re looking for ambition, ability and personality.
"It’s a very difficult to manage a football club. He’s got to be a good honest guy, whose heart and soul is in Wigan Athletic I’ve never turned my back on anyone if football, it’s that type of game. Everybody should have respect for each other.
"There are some very good managers about, some good young ones so we’ll have to wait and see. I’m open to offers.
"The search is on right now. I hope we get a lot of quality applications and I hope I’m lucky enough to pick the right guy who can get us straight back in the Premier League.
"Next season is very exciting for us, we’re in Europe, we’re the FA Cup holders, so any manager coming in has a very big challenge but one that i would regard as being very exciting."
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