Dave Whelan is braced for frank talks with Roberto Martinez and says he will do all he can to keep him at Wigan.
Last night’s relegation from the Premier League came just three days after Martinez’s side won the FA Cup for the first time in their history.
The Spaniard has been linked with Everton as a replacement for David Moyes, who is heading for Manchester United.
But Whelan (above) will hold talks with his manager following Sunday’s season‑ending game against Aston Villa in the hope he can get Martinez to lead Wigan’s bid for an instant return to the top flight.
“At the end of the season what we always do is get together and have a talk,” Wigan’s chairman told BBC Radio 5 Live today.
“Roberto is so honest and I’m honest with him. We put our cards on the table and whatever Roberto says we will accept and we will honour. We’d all love him to stay.
“He’s being chased regularly by some very, very big and wealthy clubs around England.
“We’ll have talks to persuade him; if we need to persuade him because he is a dedicated man.
“He goes by his word. He’s so honest and we respect him enormously. Everybody in Wigan hopes that Roberto stays with us.”
The 4-1 defeat at Arsenal confirmed Wigan’s fate but Whelan suspected the club were doomed after losing 3-2 to Swansea last week, when they had twice led.
“Wigan have never won the cup and it was a fantastic achievement but the writing was on the wall when we lost to Swansea at home,” said Whelan.
“We should have won that match but it’s football. We’ve got to fight our way back next season.”
