Martinez targets further improvement

The Spaniard will be presented to the media later on Tuesday after signing a three-year contract following his protracted move from Swansea. Martinez knows he has a hard act to follow after Bruce - now with Sunderland - turned Wigan from a side threatened with relegation into one that punched above its weight.

"The club has done incredibly well over the past five years, firstly getting into the Premier League and staying there," Martinez told the club's official website.

"Then last year Wigan pushed higher up the table. I want to carry on the good work Steve Bruce did here. I cannot wait for my first game. It seems like a long time away but there is a lot of work to do before then.

"The club has always been close to my heart. I am looking forward to getting stuck in and taking on teams in the best league in the world."

Martinez does not have the UEFA Pro Licence - a requirement needed to manage in the Premier League - but Wigan are confident he will be granted dispensation as he is working towards it. He is currently taking his A licence. He is thrilled to be returning to a club where he made 226 appearances as a midfielder.

He said: "So much has changed and there have been fantastic improvements both on and off the pitch. I am really looking forward to working again with the chairman and everyone at the club and I am sure we can build on what has already been achieved."

Chairman Dave Whelan said: "I am sure everyone in Wigan will be just as excited as me to welcome back Roberto. He was always my number one choice. I have always liked him and taken notice of how he is getting on.

"What he has achieved at Swansea, getting them promoted and almost reaching the play-offs, is a remarkable achievement and shows to me he has the skills and quality we need to be a success here."

Martinez was due to be unveiled last Thursday but proceedings were delayed because of a wrangle over his support staff. However the clubs agreed further compensation for under-contract pair assistant manager Graeme Jones and chief scout Kevin Reeves as well as Martinez. Goalkeeping coach Inaki Bergara and masseur Oscar Brau are also moving to the DW Stadium.