Martinez elects to stay at Wigan

WIGAN manager Roberto Martinez feels he owed it to the club and chairman Dave Whelan to reject overtures from Aston Villa.

The Spaniard yesterday turned down the chance to succeed Gerard Houllier at Villa Park in a repayment of loyalty to the Latics.

Martinez, who took charge at the DW Stadium two years ago, has now been offered a pay rise and a new three-year contract by Whelan.