Roberto Martinez pledges to make this season the most successful Wigan Athletic have had in the Premier League

Roberto Martinez, Wigan Athletic

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After agreeing a new contract extension at Wigan Athletic, Roberto Martinez has pledged to try and make the Latics’ seventh season in the Premier League their most successful.

Martinez’s pledge comes after he rejected the opportunity to speak to Aston Villa, who are still looking to fill the managerial vacancy left by Gerard Houllier.

In a message on the club’s official website, Martinez said: “At the end of the season I said it was a time to be proud of our club. Everyone connected to the club has to continue working hard and giving their support with pride.

“There is a lot of work to be done now after a very good season from a development point-of-view.

“We have a lot to do over the coming months in terms of individual situations, personal contracts and assembling a very competitive squad ready to keep fighting in the Premier League next season and keep defying the odds.

“It’s been a slow process investing heavily in youth and in a group of players who will bring us great stability and I’m very proud of where the club is on the pitch and off it.

“Now is the time for the fans to kick on and show their support and make this the best season we’ve had in the Premier League.”

Martinez also spoke of the support and loyalty of Wigan chairman Dave Whelan, and how this is required from him as the manager.

He added: “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.

“I’ve said many times before that our accomplishments are an example and to have stayed in the Premier League for seven seasons now is a dream that has been realised.

“That is down to the chairman’s work and now there is a lot I still need to do in order to make sure we see the rewards from our time in the top-flight.

“I want to bring greater stability to a club I started my attachment with back in 1995.”

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