Jewell quits as Wigan boss just 24 hours after keeping them up

13 April 2012

Paul Jewell has resigned as Wigan manager less than 24 hours after keeping the team in the Premiership, according to reports.

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.

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Quitting the JJB: Paul Jewell opens the door for a move to a bigger club

Jewell celebrated with his players on the pitch at Bramall Lane after David Unsworth's penalty sealed the Latics' place in the top flight but he is now certain to be linked with a move to Manchester City, where current manager Stuart Pearce is under increasing pressure.

Wigan have called a press conference for 3pm today where they are expected to name Jewell's successor.

If his exit is confirmed, it will be the second time Jewell has parted ways with a club soon after keeping them in the Premiership.

In 1999/00 he pulled off one of the most unlikely escapes ever by keeping Bradford in the division, again on the last day of the season, but tendered his resignation just days later before taking over at Sheffield Wednesday.

Things did not go well at Hillsborough and he was sacked after only eight months with the Owls struggling with financial problems off the pitch and footballing ones on it.

When Jewell was installed at the JJB Stadium, the Latics were in the third tier of English football and his work alongside chairman Dave Whelan in reaching the Premiership was a fine achievement.

Jewell, 42, hit the headlines earlier in the season when he had a public spat with referee Phil Dowd, over his decision not to award a penalty to the side against Arsenal.

Jewell was handed a £2,000 fine and two-match suspended touchline ban by the Football Association for bringing the game into disrepute.

He faces a further hearing on charges of improper conduct and/or bringing the game into disrepute for comments about Dowd made after the match.

Wigan chief executive Brenda Spencer said: "Everyone is sad to see Paul go, because to all intents and purposes, this was his club. To say he leaves it in a better state than when he arrived doesn't begin to tell the full story of his achievement.

"What Paul has helped create is a legacy for the future, and we now look forward to welcoming in the next man, and to help him pick up the baton and lead Wigan Athletic into the generation.

"The quality of players this club can now attract has been transformed, and the professionalism displayed throughout the club has changed beyond recognition. The training ground has been revolutionised and the youth set up is in its healthiest state ever."

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