Jewell looks to save transfer kitty

Wigan manager Paul Jewell is hoping to save chairman Dave Whelan a few million pounds in the transfer window.

Jewell has promised Whelan he will not gamble, or become a desperate man come January, with the aim to wait until summer before launching a spending spree.

Jewell, though, is counting on a few more points over the forthcoming festive period to push his side towards the brink of safety in the Barclays Premiership months ahead of schedule.

Saturday’s 3-0 victory at home to Charlton has left Wigan riding high in sixth and just four wins shy of the magical 40-point barrier.

It is a remarkable feat for a club in its first season in top-flight football as many newly-promoted sides in the past have often been at the wrong end of the table come Christmas.

That has often led to a frantic scramble for new signings by managers hoping to salvage their club’s status, a route Jewell is confident he will not have to pursue.

“Desperate signings are dangerous signings,” said Jewell, who still has his sights set on Turkey international striker Fatih Tekke, but who has categorically ruled out a move for Wolves’ Kenny Miller.

“In coming into this league I never wanted to be in a situation where we were desperate for players come January,” he added.

“Yes, I would like to bring two to three people in, and I know who they are. If we could do it, it would be great, but if we can’t then we have to be careful.

“I want to bring in the right players because certain clubs have made mistakes in the past of really gambling come January, and putting all their eggs in the one basket to try and stay in the Premiership.

“But if we can nick a few results, get a few more points over the next few matches then I might look in the summer instead, and take a longer-term view.

“If it looks like we are going to be okay, the pressure will be off and we can be as selective as we possibly can because I try and pride myself on getting as many transfers as right as possible.

“It’s about trying to do the right thing for the club.”

Safety, winning a trophy and a place in Europe is surely too much to ask for Jewell and Wigan, but the prospect is in their sights ahead of tomorrow’s Carling Cup quarter-final against neighbours Bolton at the JJB Stadium.

Jewell scoffs at the notion, adding: “We’re in the last eight, and we’re kicking and fighting.

“It is not unrealistic for us to win this, but it is unlikely because there are established teams left in the Carling Cup like Manchester United, Arsenal and Middlesbrough.

“We’re simply going all guns blazing to stay in this league. If we could do that then it would be like getting into Europe anyway for us.

“The Carling Cup is more of a route in for the top teams if they slip up in the league, but for a club like ours it is anything but easy.

“Don’t get me wrong, it would be wonderful to win the Carling Cup – it would be wonderful to win any cup – but not to the detriment of Premier League survival.

“That’s not to say we won’t go for it because we will. We play every game to win it.”

In winning their three previous ties, Wigan have yet to concede a goal with a team that has always been much changed from the preceding league game.

Jewell’s hand may be forced on this occasion, however, as Stephane Henchoz (dead leg), Josip Skoko (groin) and David Connolly (Achilles) are again doubtful after missing the win over Charlton.