Wigan manager Roberto Martinez is to leave the club.

The likeable Spaniard asked for permission to be released from his contract early, and chairman Dave Whelan has not stood in his way.

39-year-old Martinez played for Wigan from 1995 to 2001, and when he became their manager in 2009 after a sterling stint at Swansea, he set about guaranteeing his status as a club legend.

He helped the Latics to punch above their weight and survive in the Premier League, making nail-biting last-day survivals his forte.

Last season he was in the running to replace Kenny Dalglish at Liverpool, and Wigan were relieved when the Reds opted for Brendan Rodgers, and Martinez remained at the DW Stadium.

2012-13 turned out to be Martinez’s last season at Wigan however, and ultimately ended in painful relegation from the Premier League.

The Spaniard’s lowest moment at the club came after the unprecedented high of winning the FA Cup beating the odds in typical fashion to topple Manchester City, and so his exit will be accompanied by bittersweet emotions on his part as well as the Latics faithful.

Immediately as the news of Martinez’s impending exit from Wigan broke he was installed as the bookies’ favourite to replace David Moyes at Everton.

And so it seems that Martinez could be headed for Merseyside after all, but to the blue side, and as a proud FA Cup champion.