Confusion over Martinez appointment

Confusion surrounded Roberto Martinez's expected appointment as Wigan's new manager after an apparent breakdown in communications over the appointment of backroom staff.

Latics chief executive Brenda Spencer appeared before the media alone at a press conference supposedly called to unveil the Swansea boss, to reveal that the formalities over the Spaniard's deal could not be completed until a deal was reached over his support team.

Spencer, who left the conference promising further news soon, said that Wigan had been unable to contact Swans chairman Huw Jenkins since last night but were hopeful of concluding the deal imminently.

"We have an agreement with Roberto verbally but he cannot sign at the moment to be our manager until Swansea sign the agreement between the two clubs," said Spencer.

"It's absolutely frustrating because at no time over the last week have Swansea ever mentioned anything about backroom staff."

Wigan insist the deal is still on and are ready to continue negotiations over the additional staff.

"We have agreement for Roberto, we just have to see what compensation they want (for the rest). Unfortunately we cannot get hold of their chairman at the moment," Spencer added.

"We just have to get on to Swansea about compensation for backroom staff.

"We hope to get something sorted today or tomorrow but certainly early next week. At about 11am this morning we did think this was something we could sort out in time but until we get hold of the Swansea chairman there is not much we can do.

"I'd just say to the fans to hold on tight and keep their fingers crossed and their toes crossed and hopefully Roberton will be our manager today or tomorrow."

Spencer revealed Wigan had been unable to track down Jenkins today to finalise the deal.

She said: "Until we get hold of the chairman from Swansea there's not really much we can do. I know he's a very busy man and does not work full-time at the club."

She added: "I really don't know the chairman of Swansea. I wouldn't like to think he is doing it deliberately. We have tried the club and he's not there, and he's not answering his mobile."

The Latics chief executive claimed the issue of backroom staff had not arisen until last night.

She said: "We have done the deal with Swansea for Roberto. We haven't spoken about other staff with Roberto until late last night.

"I had a meeting with Roberto last night with the chairman. That's where he mentioned staff he would like to bring along.

"A couple of the staff he wants to bring are out of contract so there is no issue there. Two of the staff he wants to bring are under contract."

Spencer added Latics chairman Dave Whelan was disappointed by the delay.

She said: "As everyone knows Roberto was his number one choice. To get Roberto to sign on the dotted line is what everybody wants, including Mr Whelan. He's disappointed and frustrated."