Wigan Athletic give Roberto Martinez permission to leave

Chairman of Wigan Athletic, Dave Whelan, has confirmed that manager Roberto Martinez, is set to leave the club after he was given permission to discuss with Everton.

“He feels he’s not the man to lead us back into the Premier League,” Whelan said. “I’ve got to accept what he feels.

“He loves Wigan and the fans. We have to move on now and want applications for the job.”

It is understood that Martinez is number one choice, for the vacant manager’s post at Goodison park and whelan confirmed that Everton have made an official approach.

“Roberto wants to move on,” Whelan added. “We will let him go but he’s on a 12-month rolling contract so if he moves someone will have to buy him out of his final year.

“Everton rang me and I said they have permission to talk to him.”

Martinez guided the club to FA Cup triumph this season, but the Lactics were relegated after a 4-1 defeat to Arsenal.

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