In sensational scenes at the JJB stadium on Thursday, Wigan chief executive Brenda Spencer stunned the awaiting press with news that Swansea were holding out for remuneration for the loss of assistant manager Graham Jones and chief scout Kevin Reeves.
Bitter words have been exchanged by Latics chairman Dave Whelan over the last few days citing, Jenkins as being unfair and hindering the deal to bring Roberto Martinez back to the club where he started his career in Britain, he said “The Swansea chairman is being very difficult, I think he's being most unfair.”
Whelan has also gone on the offensive and is refusing to budge, declaring that the Greater Manchester club will not pay any more money to the Liberty Stadium club for staff other than Martinez himself , he added, "We want Roberto Martinez. We've agreed terms with him, we've agreed compensation with Swansea and if the other members of staff don't want to come or Swansea won't release them, that's fine by us. We're not paying a fee for any other members of staff."
Keen not to be engaged in a war of words, Jenkins has indicated his wish for speedy resolution to the protracted negotiations,"This needs to be put to bed. This situation must be resolved as soon as possible. That's the best for all parties. We've talked to Wigan and that will continue over the weekend. I don't think we're in a difficult position and hopefully it will all be resolved soon.”
Speaking to Martinez on Thursday night, Jenkins has admitted even the Spaniard appreciates the clubs position in this ongoing saga as he told the Western Mail, he said “He has made his thoughts clear. He was in Wigan at the press conference to unveil him as their new manager. The issue is that we want fair compensation for two employees that we have invested a lot of time and money in.”
“I spoke to Roberto on Thursday night and he understands that.It hasn’t changed my rapport with him. This was not about Roberto and Swansea, it is an issue we have with Wigan.”
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This article first appeared on JACKARMY.net.