Martinez eyes future at Wigan

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has urged his team to carry their recent form into next season after a 3-2 win over Wolves on Sunday.

A brace from Emmerson Boyce led Wigan to the win on the final day of the season, as they finished seven points clear of the relegation zone in the English Premier League.

Martinez, who has been linked with a move to manage Liverpool, said he was already planning Wigan’s next season after seeing the Latics win seven of their final nine league games.

“There is another manager in that job (Liverpool), no,” the Spaniard said.

“I’m not going to lie to you, I like the speculation. But we need to make sure we carry on with the progress we’ve been making.”

Franco Di Santo cancelled out Matt Jarvis’ opener at DW Stadium, before Boyce struck his brace and Wigan held on despite Steven Fletcher’s late goal.

Reports on Sunday suggested Liverpool were impressed by Martinez and would approach him if they decide to part ways with Kenny Dalglish.

Martinez, who rejected an offer to manage Aston Villa at the end of last season, said he was flattered to be linked to the Anfield club.

“When you get stories linking clubs with your players or in this case with a manager, it must be because you have done something right,” Martinez said.

“I see it as a real compliment. Speculation will follow a team – you get good speculation and bad speculation.

“The speculation I don’t like is when it suggests you are going to lose your job after a couple of defeats. I am proud and happy that the club are attracting a lot of good headlines and stories.

“We always need to be prepared that whatever happens is for the good of the club. All I am bothered about is working hard and making sure the chairman is a proud man when he assesses his football club.”

Wolves manager Terry Connor, who will hand over the reins to Stale Solbakken on Monday, said the encounter reflected a campaign which has seen his side finish bottom.

“It was a frustrating way to sign off. It encapsulated the whole season and the reason why we have not been able to stay in the league,” Connor said.

“We had plenty of honest endeavour and commitment and no lack of attacking flair but we keep shooting ourselves in the foot by making mistakes as individuals.”