Dave Whelan Backs Roberto Martinez

Wigan chairman says he ‘has faith’ in manager, despite embarrassing defeat

Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan has publicly backed club manager Roberto Martinez, in the aftermath of the side’s humiliating 9-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Wigan were trailing 1-0 at half-time at White Hart Lane, before a second half capitulation saw them concede a further eight goals, five of which were scored by England striker Jermaine Defoe.

The result puts pressure on boss Martinez, who has also seen his side lose 5-0 to Manchester United, and 4-0 to both Portsmouth and Arsenal, but Whelan has confirmed the manager has his full support.

In an interview with SkySports News, outspoken Whelan also criticised former Wigan boss Steve Bruce, for ‘dodgy’ signings, saying:

"He is Wigan's manager and I have complete faith in him and I know the supporters have," added Whelan.

"He has got a difficult time, he inherited a team that was a little bit weak on reserves when Steve left.

"Steve actually had a few dodgy signings just before he left Wigan and he has inherited those dodgy signings so I can't blame Roberto one iota.

"I am absolutely 100 per cent behind Roberto, he's a great manager and he will pull this team around.

"We have got two home games next - Sunderland then Birmingham at home we want six points and that's the only thing we want.

"A win next Saturday will lift everything, lift our supporters, and will lift Roberto.

"So please believe me Wigan Athletic are not dead in the water."

Wigan are 6/4 (Expekt) to beat Bruce’s new club, Sunderland, next weekend.

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