Wigan determined to keep Jewell

Wigan chief executive Brenda Spencer has stressed the club is determined to hang on to manager Paul Jewell after he masterminded their escape from relegation on the final day of the season.

Many of the Latics players praised Jewell for his approach both before and during their crucial 2-1 victory at Sheffield United – repeating a feat of seven years ago when he kept Bradford on the last day of the season.

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan rates Jewell very highly and even when it looked like the club would be playing in the Championship next season he publicly backed his manager to continue at the JJB.

There is speculation that, having secured a third successive season in the top flight for Wigan, the 42-year-old will now look for another challenge with a bigger club.

However, Spencer does not want Jewell to go anywhere, although her response to the question of whether he would stay at the JJB was somewhat cautious.

“I wouldn’t like to see Paul leave the club and nor would the chairman or the board of directors but you would have to ask Paul that question,” she told Radio Five Live.

Reports today have linked Jewell with Manchester City with current manager Stuart Pearce under pressure after a disappointing season in which they struggled before finishing 14th, just four points above the relegation zone.