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WIGAN IN SHOCK AS JEWELL QUITS

Leaving the JJB: Paul Jewell

Monday May 14,2007

By Julia White for express.co.uk

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PAUL Jewell has resigned as Wigan manager less than 24 hours after keeping the team in the Premiership.

Jewell's side went into the final day of the season in the bottom three but saw his side survive after a 2-1 win over Sheffield United, who went down in their place.

A message on the club’s official website said: “The club reluctantly confirm the gaffer has decided to step down as manager."

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan believes the stress of keeping the club in the top flight has taken its toll on 42-year-old Jewell's health.

Jewell celebrated with his players on the pitch at the JJB Stadium after David Unsworth's penalty sealed the Latics' place in the top flight.

Although Paul Jewell has been linked with the Manchester City job now that Stuart Pearce has left the post, Whelan expects Jewell to be out of the game for six months after a mentally and physical draining season.

"He has been really, really struggling with nerves over the last few months and that's not Paul Jewell at all," he said.

"I asked if he'd been approached by another club or if he'd been tapped up. He said 'no, I swear on my children's lives. I'm going to have rest."

Wigan later announced in a press conference that they have appointed assistant boss Chris Hutchings as the club's new manager.

For Hutchings it is a case of history repeating itself after he took over the reins at Bradford from Jewell in similar circumstances in 2000.

Hutchings, 49, joined City in Chris Kamara’s tenure and was second in command when Jewell helped keep the unfancied Bantams in the top flight, also on the last day of an arduous campaign.

Jewell handed in his notice only days afterwards - a move originally blocked by chairman Geoffrey Richmond.

The 42-year-old manager eventually joined Sheffield Wednesday but neither man enjoyed a successful season - Jewell was sacked by the Owls after just eight months, while Hutchings was dismissed from Valley Parade after just 137 days.

His brief spell at Bradford was an unhappy one, totalling just 12 league games and a solitary victory over Chelsea, and he left the club second bottom of the Premiership in a season that eventually saw them relegated.

WHY BE SURPRISED, ? HE HAS DONE IT BEFORE

14.05.07, 1:51pm

Paul Jewell has worked wonders for Wigan as he did for Bradford. However he knows when to get out and move on.
In this case he has got out while his credibility is intact..Just!! At the Top, or rather the top of the bottom. Good luck to him..that is what players do.

• Posted by: taurus • Report Comment