Martinez has given the Latics a new lease of life since his appointment as manager almost four years ago and upon masterminding the club's success against Millwall at the weekend the typically modest Spaniard was quick to deflect praise from himself and to supporters.
Speaking to the club's officla website after the game Martinez said: “They [the fans] were magnificent. I know there’ll always be some kind of negative comment from the outside, but what they don’t realise is the quality our fans bring in their numbers.
“These people are the heart and soul of our football club and today they can be very proud of their Wigan Athletic.
“I would tell them to enjoy this feeling and get ready for the final weeks of the season and, of course, the FA Cup Final.
“I don’t think it’s sunk in yet, it’s an incredible feeling one that everyone associated with the club will share.
“We had a tough task on the pitch because to go into any game as favourites is a challenge in itself to overcome – it’s even harder at Wembley.
“But I thought the players showed a great mentality, enjoyed their football and played with real flair, but on the other hand defended with concentration and dealt with the dead-ball situations really well.”
The Latics will face their cup final opponents this Wednesday evening following Manchester City's victory over Chelsea as Martinez and his players go in the hunt for three vital Premier League points in the race for survival.