Martinez, clearly delighted after witnessing his side take all three points off relegation and local rivals Bolton, spoke of his pleasure at seeing a packed away end.
Speaking to the club's official website, the Spaniard said: "It was a very special day; whenever we play a derby match we know it means so much to our fans and when we drove into the ground we saw the 500+ fans who had made the walk from the DW Stadium in aid of the Emma Hoolin Appeal which started a very special feeling for the day.
"The manner in which we approached the game, how we played our football and the rewards we got was something the fans deserved. They played a massive part and it reminded me of the game at Blackpool last season and the effect they had that day to allow us to get three points.
"That's how important they are in every game we play and I hope they can have a fantastic night celebrating and getting ready for the next game."
The Latics return to the DW Stadium after a week off next weekend to face Aston Villa in a game that will see N'Zogbia return to face his former club.
