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Martinez opts to remain at Wigan
2011-06-11 04:22:23
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//Whelan was confident former Swansea manager Martinez would stay at his club, despite giving him the option to hold talks with Villa, and he has been proven right.
Mark Hughes, who was originally ruled out of contention despite being heavily linked with the Villa job, has now been installed as favourite to take over as owner Randy Lerner continues his search for a successor to Gerard Houllier.
Hughes resigned as Fulham manager 24 hours after Houllier left Villa on health grounds, but his agent Kia Joorabchian told the BBC the two events were not connected.
And despite the renewed link with Villa, Hughes may yet emerge as part of Chelsea's management team after the sacking of Carlo Ancelotti, with Guus Hiddink also tipped to return to Stamford Bridge after a successful spell in charge in 2009.
"Money is not what this is about [with Martinez]," said Whelan. "Villa will be disappointed but I am over the moon.
"I am sure every Wigan supporter will say that we are so pleased to have him. He is such a straight guy and so easy to deal with."
He added: "I don't think we were really close to losing him but he has to consider his future. He is going places and Aston Villa are a big club.
"I am delighted he is staying with us. Supporters will look at this and think Roberto is showing that football is not about greed. There's a loyalty in it and he has been loyal."
Martinez, who BBC Sport has learned did speak to Villa to tell them of his decision, joined Wigan from Swansea in 2009, with his first competitive game in charge ironically being a 2-0 away victory over his Midlands suitors.
The Spaniard has managed to keep Wigan in the Premier League in his two seasons in charge, with the club surviving in 2010/11 thanks to a four-game unbeaten run at the end of the campaign.
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