Martinez looking forward to new season

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez is looking forward to the start of the new Premier League season, with Chelsea their opening-day opponents.

Roberto Di Matteo’s men travel to the DW Stadium on August 18 and the Wigan boss is relishing the challenge after avoiding relegation from the top flight last term with five wins from the last eight games.

And Martinez, who has been linked with numerous management vacancies throughout the summer, is excited to get the season underway with Wigan.

“Fixtures day is always one of the highlights of the calendar and we have been handed a really exciting opening again, with the Champions League winners at the DW. It is going to be a fascinating start,” Martinez said.

After recent seasons which have been blighted by relegation battles, the Spaniard will be hoping they can get off to a good start despite the tough opening fixture.

And Martinez is aware is side need to continue were they left off last season if his side are to improve this term.

“It’s a cliche but every team is competitive at this level, and we need to be ready for another huge challenge over the coming months,” he said.