Paul Jewell has resigned as Wigan boss - less than 24 hours after saving the Premiership club from relegation on the final day of the season.

Jewell's exit comes after the drama of beating Sheffield United 2-1 on Sunday to ensure Wigan's top-flight status.

 

Jewell, 42, joined Wigan in June 2001 from Sheffield Wednesday.

 

He told the club's website: "I have made this decision with a heavy heart but I feel it is time for me to have a break from football."

 

Jewell has been linked to Manchester City, where manager Stuart Pearce could make way if a takeover of the club succeeds.

 

But Jewell did not comment on a future return to the game and instead seems to be planning time out of the sport to recharge his batteries.

 

He added: "I have given everything I have as a person to bringing success here over the past six years.

 

"It is not an easy thing to walk away from somewhere and something which has been such a part of your life for so long.

 

"The intensity of football at the highest level, although completely addictive, is also draining.

 

"I feel I would be kidding the chairman, my players and the supporters if I was to carry on without being able to put in the energy and dedication I know is required to be successful at this level."

 

Jewell guided The Latics 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.

 

Under Jewell, Wigan surprised many pundits by surviving comfortably in their first season, finishing 10th and also reaching the Carling Cup final.

 

Previously, Jewell had taken Bradford into the Premiership where he masterminded a similar last-day survival for the Bantams in 2000.

 

 

Jewell also went on to pay tribute to the support he has given to him by Wigan chairman Dave Whelan in his time at the club.

 

Whelan offered Jewell a job for life at the JJB Stadium outfit last year but also said he would not stand in his manager's way if he had an offer from a bigger club.

 

Whelan revelaed that Jewell's health and personal life had deteriorated in the last couple of months during the relegation battle.

 

He also insisted Jewell had assured him he did not have another job lined up.

 

Whelan added: "It was with great reluctance that I accepted Paul's resignation.

 

"It was his decision to leave. I believe Paul was the right man to carry this club forward.

 

"But he has decided that he has taken the club as far as he can and leave it for someone else to take over.

 

"I have to respect his decision because what Paul has done for this club is extraordinary."

 

 

And Stuart Pearce sacked as City boss

 

ITS ALL GOING ON

Jewell to City I would say, excellent young manager

Jewell to City I would say, excellent young manager

 

I don't think he will. It does seem all a bit wierd, but I don't think he will. Looks like Gerard Houllier is gonna be in the frame for the job and Man City fans would probably welcome him to the club even if he will bring them 2nd rate French players.

 

 

Looks like Houllier to Man City then.....

 

.... and at least Stuart Pearce can focus on the England Under 21 job this summer.

 

As for Paul Jewell, I don't think he has any other motive other than to recharge his batteries over the summer & then look to get back into Football management when the sackings start to happen in October/November.