Roberto Martinez has said that he "can't imagine" Wigan Athletic without club chairman Dave Whelan.

The 74-year-old recently announced that he is considering stepping back in some capacity as he searches for someone to take over the club's running costs. However, Martinez remains hopeful that the Latics chief may still reconsider.

"The chairman is determined to leave a legacy," he said. "It's about planning for the future rather than the short term.

"We are achieving our aims away from the game. We have reduced the budget and we have got ourselves in a strong financial position.

"I can't imagine the chairman not being here. He has created this dream and I can't understand it without him."

Wigan are bottom of the Premier League on goal difference, with nine points from 14 games.