The soon to be former Swansea City boss is expected to be confirmed today as the manager of the Premier League side before an official press conference at the JJB Stadium tomorrow.
Dave Whelan is due back from holiday today and the Wigan press reports that he will attend a coaching course before confirming the appointment and tidying up the small print relating to the new manager.
Speaking to the Wigan Journal, Whelan said "We at Wigan, and all the supporters, are very excited at getting Roberto.
"There is no reason why he cannot come to Wigan and be a top-quality manager in the Premier League.
"If I'm being honest, I predict Roberto will go on to be one of the top four or five managers within the next few years.
"I hope that Roberto stays with us for quite a long time.
"I was really sad to lose Steve Bruce, who was a great manager for Wigan Athletic, but Roberto was one of our Three Amigos and he's a
wonderful man who knows football inside out."
Ian Kilford – a former team mate of Roberto's added "Roberto has done well for himself and it's great to see him coming back to Wigan.
"He was well known as a player here, and has since gone away and learned his trade in management. Roberto just lives for football, he likes the game to be played in the right way.
"With no disrespect to previous managers there, Wigan have established themselves in the Premier League by being a physical, very hard working team.
"He'll have to keep some element of that, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him bring in two or three players who will give the team a bit of flair.
"Roberto has all the right contacts in the game, knows a lot about players abroad, and I think this will work out for Wigan.
"He did very well at Swansea, got them promoted and then to the verge of the play-offs. Hopefully he can continue to make that kind of progress at Wigan.
"I think he'll be a popular choice with the fans. One or two might be a bit apprehensive as he's not managed to this level, but he'll get the time to stamp his mark on the club."
This article first appeared on JACKARMY.net.