Wednesday 5 June 2013 18:22, UK
Everton have confirmed the arrival of Roberto Martinez as their new manager in a four-year deal.
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan is sorry to see Martinez move on, but is delighted the Spaniard has gone to Everton after confirming there were no issues in agreeing a deal with his Toffees counterpart Kenwright. Whelan told Sky Sports News: "It's something I accepted when he asked me if he could leave. "I did expect Everton to come and get his services. They've done a wonderful move, Roberto is, and has been for us, one fantastic manager. "We will always be friends for the rest of our lives, he is just such a wonderful character but he is going to a great club with great supporters. I wish him the very best of luck. "There was never any disagreement between Bill and myself. We agreed everything from the start, it was how it was put across to various agencies and how people picked it up. "Bill and myself always had the agreement that they would pay the compensation, and Roberto could be interviewed and could be their manager. "I'm sorry to lose Roberto, he's a great manager but I'm delighted he has gone to Everton." Whelan continued: "Roberto would start work at seven or eight o'clock in the morning and he would still be there at seven o'clock at night. "He organises all kinds of things; he's so interested in the youngsters coming through. He's dedicated to players coming through at the age of 14, 15 - he wants them to play for the club he represents. I'm sure he'll pick that up at Everton because Everton do run a super youth scheme. "I think he will be perfect for that. He's a wonderful guy, very honest and he gives you 150 per cent totally."
