Wigan manager Roberto Martinez not one to jump on 'the success train', despite Everton speculation

The Latics manager is the leading candidate to replace David Moyes

Roberto Martinez celebrates Wigan's famous FA Cup triumph in the pouring rain (GETTY IMAGES)

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez insists he has no intention of leaping aboard the “success train” out of the DW Stadium.

Martinez has been courted by Aston Villa and Liverpool over the past two summers and is presently favourite for the impending vacancy at Everton.

His stock can hardly be much higher either following Saturday's FA Cup final triumph over Manchester City, the first major trophy in Wigan's history, which also comes with direct entry into next season's Europa League.Yet Martinez is not like most managers.

By his own admission his players play in a manner no other relegation-threatened side would try.

And, whilst the former Swansea boss did not give any assurances over his future, it is clear any parting would be well thought through.

"I don't think managers should look at themselves," he said.

"They should look at the football club, and what you can build and achieve.

"There is a right time and wrong time to leave. Only myself and Wigan will know when it is the right time.

"But I don't believe it is just about jumping on the success train.

"Football should be about working with long-term ambitions and giving opportunities to youngsters."

Latics chairman Dave Whelan, who said yesterday his instincts tell him Martinez will remain at the DW Stadium beyond the end of the season, insists his Wigan players are ready for the huge challenge of adding Barclays Premier League survival to their stunning FA Cup triumph.

Wins for Norwich and Newcastle and a draw for Sunderland means anything less than a victory over Arsenal at the Emirates tomorrow will all but condemn the cup winners to relegation before a final-day clash with Aston Villa.

Whelan said: "We know what we've got to do. The lads know the job is still there. We've got to go to Arsenal and perform and we've got to perform at home and beat Villa. They're all aware of it and they're up for it big time."

PA