Wigan eye Jewell as 'top choice'*
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has told in an interview that former
boss Paul Jewell would be his top pick to fill the vacant manager's
post.
Jewell, who said this week he would consider a return to Wigan, has
been linked with the job since Chris Hutchings was sacked on
Monday.
Asked whether Jewell was his number one choice, Whelan answered:
"Absolutely.
"If he applies for the job, I'm certainly interested and would love
to talk to him."
Speaking to the media, Whelan added: "Paul did say he'd be looking
to get back into management around Christmas time when he resigned
as our manager.
"If Paul Jewell is interested in the Wigan job then I'm interested
in Paul Jewell. I've had a great relationship with him at Wigan
Athletic.
"What news you're giving, I'm delighted with - and if he's
interested I'll be talking to him certainly."
However, Whelan was quick to dismiss reports linking Graeme Souness
with the club.
"I've not spoken to Graeme for three years," he said. "I've never
spoken to him at all about being the manager of Wigan. How that
story's come about is a mystery to me."
Souness also insisted no contact had been made, adding: "I've not
spoken to anyone at Wigan, but it would be a good job for someone
because you would be dealing with a football man in Dave
Whelan."
Whelan's comments came after Jewell told Metro newspaper: "I'm
surprised to learn I have been offered my old job back. I've had no
contact with Wigan.
"But after six months away I am ready and willing to return to
work. I will consider any offers that come my way."
Jewell resigned as Wigan boss in May, less than 24 hours after
saving the Premier League club from relegation on the final day of
the season.
He claimed he was absolutely drained and needed a break from
football.
The 43-year-old had been in charge of Wigan for six years and in
that time guided the club to the League One title in 2002-03, and
in 2004-05 they finished runners-up to Sunderland in the
Championship to reach the top flight for the first time in their
history.
Wigan surprised many by finishing 10th in their first Premiership
season and they also reached the Carling Cup final.
Jewell admitted at the time of his resignation that it was
extremely difficult to walk away from Wigan and it now seems he
might be putting himself back in the frame.
He revealed: "I needed a break as the job consumes you 24 hours a
day, seven days a week.
"I firmly believe I will return to football refreshed and a better
manager.
"Talk of me returning to Wigan is a little awkward because me and
Chris Hutchings are really good friends.
"I am doubly disappointed it has not worked out for him because of
our relationship and the fact I recommended him for the job.
"I haven't spoken to him yet, as want to let things die down a bit
before I call him.
"In the meantime I'm going to continue enjoying playing golf until
I get a better offer."
Jewell has also been linked with the jobs at Leicester City and,
before Gary Megson was appointed, at Bolton Wanderers.
Other names being touted as candidates for the Wigan job are Peter
Reid, Joe Royle, Alex McLeish and Swansea City's Spanish manager
Roberto Martinez.
But Wigan caretaker-manager Frank Barlow has ruled himself out of
the running to take the job on a permanent basis.
Whelan added: "I've left (general manager) John Benson in charge
and we'll get shortlist of three or four and then we'll start
interviewing in the next 10 days."
