Roberto Martinez has been confirmed as Wigan Athletic’s new manager after The Latics belatedly agreed a compensation package for his backroom staff with Swansea City.
Martinez, who played for Wigan between 1995 and 2001, was given permission to speak to the Premier League side about replacing Steve Bruce last week after the two clubs agreed on a suitable compensation package for the manager.
But a press conference called to present the new man was conducted in farcical fashion on Thursday as Wigan chief executive Brenda Spencer admitted that no deal had been agreed for Martinez’s backroom staff.
Negotiations to bring assistant manager Graeme Jones, chief scout Kevin Reeves, goalkeeping coach Inaki Bergara and masseur Oscar Brau to The DW Stadium have now been concluded though, with Martinez signing a three-year deal.
“I don’t think either club are totally happy with the final compensation figure agreed for the backroom staff,” Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins told the club's official website.
“But I think both clubs realise that this matter now needs to be concluded so that we can all move on and prepare for the new season.”
Martinez was appointed as Swansea manager in February 2007 and led the Welsh side to the League One title the following season.
Swansea earned a reputation for playing with real panache under their Spanish boss and finished last season in eighth place in The Championship, missing out on a play-off place by six points.
Martinez moves to Wigan to replace Bruce after he was lured to Sunderland following Ricky Sbragia's return to the coaching staff at The Stadium of Light.
“I am delighted to be back at Wigan Athletic,” Martinez told the club’s official website. “As you know I had a great time here as a player and the club has always been close to my heart.
“The club has done incredibly well over the past five years, firstly getting into The Premier League and staying there.
“Last year not only staying there but pushing higher up the table. I want to carry on the good work Steve Bruce did here.”