Spanish-speaking boss helped me settle in claims Wigan’s Thomas

by Pat McGatt. Published Wed 18 Nov 2009 11:54

Latics midfielder Hendry Thomas has been speaking about how he has been settling in at the DW Stadium since moving from Honduras in the summer.

Thomas has caught the eye with some impressive performances and is now a key member of boss Roberto Martinez's team.

As well as praising the help he has received from his fellow countrymen Maynor Figueroa and ex-Latic Wilson Palacios, Thomas believes the fact that he and Martinez share a common language has been key in helping him to integrate so quickly.

He said: "After speaking to Maynor and Wilson, I kind of prepared myself during my extra 12 months in Honduras for the physical nature of the game in England – and it is like that.

"I kind of knew what it would be like anyway because I had been a fan of the league for some time. I knew what I was letting myself in for and I knew I had to be ready.

"From day one, Maynor helped me, he showed me around and showed me the ropes.

"But the other thing that has helped me, which he and Wilson didn't have the benefit of, is the fact the manager speaks Spanish, which makes things a lot easier from a football point of view."