Martinez backs Holloway over selection row

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has voiced support for Ian Holloway after the Blackpool manager threatened to quit if he was fined for fielding a weakened side in midweek.

The Premier League is investigating Holloway after he made 10 changes to his side for the Tangerines’ 3-2 defeat at Aston Villa on Wednesday, in a case which echoes a similar situation involving Wolves last season.

Wolves were given a suspended 25,000 pound fine last year after manager Mick McCarthy made a raft of changes for a match against Manchester United at Old Trafford in order to keep his players fresh for a game with Burnley.

However Martinez believes Holloway should not face similar sanctions, believing managers should be free to pick the team they want.

“I don’t think anyone knows the physical and mental state of the players better than the manager,” the Spaniard said.

“As a manager you have to make decisions to do that and get a competitive team on the pitch.

“I don’t understand where the fuss is. The manager selects the team and he is the only one who knows the players perfectly well and his decisions are based on that.

“Anything else is cheap talk and we should allow managers to do their jobs.”