Martinez not planning Swans raid - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Martinez not planning Swans raid

New Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has promised Swansea he will not raid the club for their star names.

The Spaniard has been linked with a number of his former players after sealing a move to the JJB Stadium, but he intends to remain "honourable" in the transfer window.

He said: "I will never move for Swansea players unless they are in the market or other clubs show an interest. I would never go back to Swansea just to do that and pinch players. Now I am at Wigan we will not do things that are not honourable."

Some Swansea supporters have voiced their discontent at his departure, but Martinez takes great satisfaction from his time in Wales.

He said: "If the fans are disappointed, it is because they enjoyed the last two and a half years. I think it is the moment to look back and see how successful Swansea have been.

"I gave everything to try to bring success on the pitch, to play in a certain way and improve the club. I think we achieved that.

"In that respect we should all be proud together. Who comes in to manage that club is a very lucky man. From a distance I will be cheering, hoping Swansea take the next step."

Martinez does not have the UEFA Pro Licence, a requirement of managing in the Premier League, but is working towards it.

Chairman Dave Whelan is adamant the authorities will grant dispensation to his new man.

Martinez added: "You need to get the qualifications. It is vital. I am looking forward to finishing the A licence. There is a need in the modern game to do that. I hope I will complete it very soon."

Sport in brief in Pictures

Don't Miss
Gala night for the Queen of arts - stars turn out in their hundreds to pay tribute

Happy & glorious

Stars turn out in their hundreds to pay tribute to Queen
Prints charming: patterned trousers for summer

Prints charming

Patterned trousers for summer
Promethipedia: the lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus

Promethipedia

The lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus
The Middletan: Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London

The Middletan

Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London
Amy Childs bares all like Britney

Dare to bare

Amy Childs vajazzles like Britney
Thais go Gaga: singer’s ‘fake rolex’ tweet sparks new tour row... but fans still mob her at airport

Thais go Gaga

Singer mobbed at airport
Trip the bright fantastic - in vertiginous neon

Fashion

Trip the bright fantastic - in vertiginous neon
Chelsea Champions League celebrations - in pictures

Victory parade

Chelsea Champions League celebrations
High-flying heroes

High flying heroes

David Oyelowo reveals all about new film Red Tails
The Twitter Diaries: Think Bridget Jones tries social networking

The Twitter Diaries

Think Bridget Jones tries social networking