Roberto wants feelgood factor
Roberto Martinez has revealed the importance of having a 'tight-knit group' around him after persuading another member of his Swansea backroom staff to relocate to Latics.
Wigan's new manager's return to his former stamping ground was initially delayed as the Swans sought compensation for the services of his assistant Graeme Jones and chief scout Kevin Reeves.
Eventually an agreement was reached and the duo followed their old gaffer to Wigan. Now physio Richard Evans has become the latest Swan to flee the nest and head north.
And Martinez believes the reuniting of his trusted team may be up there with the best bit of business he does all summer.
He told the Evening Post: "It is so important to have my old backroom staff with me.
"We are a very tight-knit group and we work extremely hard to cover a big area.
"Kevin Reeves is my eyes in Europe and around the world, in terms of finding players, and brings different methods to modern scouting.
"Graeme Jones, as we all know, is a Wigan legend, someone who loves this club and who ensures high standards are maintained on a daily basis on the training ground."
Martinez also predicted the players will benefit hugely from the arrival of Evans next term – on and off the field.
He said: "Richard had been working at Swansea for 10 years, the last two-and-a-half years very closely with me.
"He is obviously a qualified physio, but he is also into the sports science side of things.
"He has great expertise and will bring personalised
training programmes to the daily intensity of the work.
"I am delighted we were able to persuade him to come and I believe he will be a big asset.
"He is one of the best at his job in world football."
After the disappointing end to last season, when Latics limped over the finishing line after challenging for a European spot until Easter, a feelgood factor has quickly been sparked by Martinez.
And the Spaniard insists the weight of expectation from fans buoyed by his return, is something that should be embraced rather than feared.
He added: "I think that passion around the club will be a great advantage for us.
"We all know how tough the job is going to be, especially over the next five or six months, as when a manager leaves a club there is always change and a good turnover in players
"The next few months are going to be critical, but we need to rely on hard work and everyone pushing in the same direction, including the fans.
"If we can pull together as a club, we will all enjoy our football and move forward. That is what we have to do."
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Weather for Wigan
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light sleet
Temperature: 1 C to 2 C
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Light sleet
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