The Spaniard arrived in the summer as successor to Steve Bruce after serving his apprenticeship with Swansea City.

He was warmly welcomed back to the DW Stadium after wearing the colours of the club as a player when they were in the old fourth division.

However, Wigan's stuttering start to the season led to questions about his ability to succeed at the highest level.

Now though Martinez could have the freedom of the town and beyond after a superb 3-1 victory against previously unbeaten Chelsea on Saturday.

huge difference

Scharner scored the final goal in stoppage time with Titus Bramble and Hugo Rodallega, with a penalty, also on target. Didier Drogba responded for the visitors.

The Austrian savoured the victory and said: "I have played against the top four about 30 times and never enjoyed a victory.

"So I am very pleased, especially for the supporters, as everyone was at the top of their game. We deserved to win.

"It is always difficult when you bring in a new manager and the philosophy changes 180 degrees from modern kick and rush to keeping possession. Things don't happen overnight."

While Martinez savoured the victory he also sounded a note of caution with Hull City their next opponents.

He said: "There are many things we need to change and many things we need to improve on. But winning is vital - you need that.

"Confidence makes a huge difference. If we feel because we have beaten Chelsea we can go to Hull and win without getting out of the coach we are mistaken.

"It is a massive challenge and completely different. We still have a long way to go if we are to fulfil our potential."