Whelan targets bright future with Martinez

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan believes the "implicit trust" he shares with manager Roberto Martinez means memories of the Spaniard's dalliance with Liverpool will be quickly forgotten as they seek to build strong foundations together.

Martinez spoke to the Reds' principal owner John Henry in Miami last week after interrupting a holiday to discuss the Anfield vacancy.

Swansea's Brendan Rodgers has since gone on to win that race and after interest from Aston Villa for a second summer running Whelan has had to agree to certain requests from Martinez for improvements to be made behind the scenes.

But the Wigan chairman insists the happenings of the last two weeks have not affected their relationship.

"I gave him permission to talk to Liverpool and I think he seriously considered it," Whelan told talkSPORT. "I think he spoke to Villa, or I think they had conversations with an agent about it.

"I have to work very closely with Roberto and I feel it is a democracy. Managers and footballers change clubs, we have to accept that. I have known Roberto for years since I signed him as a player and we have a fantastic working relationship - I trust him and he trusts me implicitly."