Martinez, Jelavic claim April honours

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has clinched the Barclays Manager of the Month Award for April – the first time he has won the honour.

Martinez received the title after guiding Wigan Athletic to wins over three of the Premier League’s top teams in the past four weeks, which consequently saw them move closer to safety in the English top flight.

Martinez’s men began the month with a narrow 2-1 defeat at Chelsea, but followed the loss with consecutive victories over Manchester United and Arsenal.

While Wigan suffered a 2-1 defeat at Fulham, they ended the month on a positive note with a 4-0 victory over Newcastle United.

Meanwhile, Everton striker Nikica Jelavic scooped the Barclays Player of the Month Award after scoring six goals in three Premier League games.

Jelavic began April strongly after netting a double in Everton’s 2-2 draw at Norwich City. The 26-year-old missed his side’s 4-0 victory over Sunderland but returned and struck twice against Manchester United in a thrilling 4-4 draw.

Jelavic, who is the first Croatian to receive the award, finished the month with another two goals in a 4-0 victory over Fulham at Goodison Park.

“I am really pleased to have won the Barclays Player of the Month award,” Jelavic said.

“Everyone at Everton has been very good to me since I arrived at the club and I am glad that I have been able to reward the fans for their fantastic support.

“Awards are always nice and this one shows how well the team is doing just now. We are playing some great football and we are creating chances, which for a centre-forward is obviously very important. We are finishing the season really well and we hope to end with two more wins from our last two games.”