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Martinez sticks by decision to snub Villa

The former Swansea boss endured a difficult 2010/11 campaign with the Latics, narrowly avoiding relegation before seeing star midfielder Charles N’Zogbia depart to join the Villa Park outfit.

After Gerard Houllier’s short stint as Villa manager came to an end due to health reasons, Martinez was believed to be the main candidate to take over the reigns in the Midlands.

“When I arrived we talked about the three-year project and we felt that, after two years, we have had another successful season and there are many things behind the scenes that can be done,” he told Yahoo!

“I never felt it was the right time for Wigan Athletic to change their manager.

“But more than anything I thought the chairman was so supportive of myself and so loyal, it was my time to be able to show him that I was not going to break that agreement we had of the three-year relationship, and it was a very simple decision from that point of view.

"It was best for Wigan Athletic at that time and a unique opportunity to show my chairman the loyalty and support that he has been giving me in the last few years."

"I have always said that I am very honoured and privileged to be the manager of Wigan, but then to be able to work with a chairman that has got football knowledge first-hand.

"He has been a player and has played in every single division and a chairman in every single division. He has a real football understanding that inspires you with his successful touch.

"Its more than that, it is someone who allows you to work towards the long-term ambition of the football club, and in that respect his support and loyalty is a key element in our success at Wigan and I always appreciate it."

Gregg Davies is the Chief Sub Editor of FourFourTwo magazine, joining the team in January 2008 and spending seven years working on the website. He supports non-league behemoths Hereford and commentates on Bulls matches for Radio Hereford FC. His passions include chocolate hobnobs and attempting to shoehorn Ronnie Radford into any office conversation.