I’ve decided I’m totally undecided on Martinez. There are things I like about him, things I don’t: as impressive as Wigan were over the last ten games, they were awful for the first 20-odd; I’d be concerned about why it took him so long to start playing Maloney, for example, and the state of the defence during that time. Wigan were also pretty bereft going forward.
On the other hand, the turnaround was striking, and I like a coach who is willing to change formation to suit the players he has. I always felt we were crying out for something similar, but we had a manager who tried to press one or two into roles that didn’t suit. I also like a three-man defence – I recall suggesting the same during the midway point of last season and being roundly mocked on here, but it may have suited us.
All things considered, I’d be happy with Martinez – I’d have my doubts but he’d still be a positive step up from McLeish.
PS Not sure Martinez would move from Diame, as Wigan seemed to improve rapidly once he’d been left out of the side and McCarthy and McArthur installed as the midfield pair.