Jewell 'not ruling out' Republic job

Paul Jewell has admitted holding talks with former Republic of Ireland international Johnny Giles about the national team’s managerial vacancy but insists the meeting was not a formal interview.

Giles’ help has been enlisted by the Football Association of Ireland in their search for Steve Staunton’s successor following the former defender’s recent departure.

Former Wigan boss Jewell has been linked with the post along with several other managers including Graeme Souness, Terry Venables and Gerard Houllier.

Jewell, 43, said: “Johnny Giles asked to see me and I went to meet him.

“We had a great chat about football in general and of course he mentioned the Irish job situation, but it wasn’t an interview.

“I’m flattered by the interest and I’m certainly not ruling it out. I am thinking about it and we’ll see if anything develops.”

The FAI concurred with Jewell’s insistence the meeting was informal.

A spokesman said: “No approach has been made by the FAI to a potential manager.”

It seems Jewell favours a return to club management with various teams expressing an interest in his services, including Wigan in recent days.

Jewell opted not to return to the JJB Stadium and has also played down talk of a move to Preston, who have sacked Paul Simpson this week.

“I have not heard from Preston. But Preston is a fantastic club and I would never say no to speaking to anyone,” he told The Independent.

“It’s all right being mentioned for jobs such as the one at Preston but you have to be offered it. I don’t take much notice of what has been said. It doesn’t have much significance unless the chairman makes that phone call. I would like to work in the Premier League, yes, but I am not ruling myself out of any job.”