We've all heard the news - Paul Jewell has resigned as manager of Wigan. It seems all the more surprising in light of the fact that he has just saved Wigan from relegation. Of course, keeping them in the Premiership may well be his parting gift to the club. He was a great example to other managers and he will be missed. Paul Jewell was a credit to Wigan and a credit to the Premiership. He has given all he can give, all for the good of Wigan Athletic. From the early days of his time with them in the lower divisions until now, he has ensured that Wigan fans, and non-Wigan fans aswell for that matter, won't forget him. Paul Jewell first led Wigan to the Premiership in May 2005 when he led them to a second place finish to Sunderland in the Championship. Wigan surprised everyone with a 10th place finish and a place in the Carling Cup final, a feat which has been quite similarly echoed by Reading this season. Of course, Wigan have been through a torrid time this season, and Jewell has only just managed top get them out of the straits alive. Apart from his achievements, the one thing that struck me about Paul Jewell was his humility. I remember him after Wigan were beaten 3-1 at home and he was first to admit his team was second best and that they had a job to do to avoid a relegation scrap. His honesty always came across as a breath of fresh air, especially in contrast to a couple of certain managers of the biggest teams. There will be speculation that Paul Jewell was offered a new Job, but personally, I believe not. Dave Whelan says that Jewell is "a man of his word" and that he swore "on his children's lives" that he hasn't been given another managerial post. I believe that Paul Jewell would never dump Wigan for another club. That is not his nature. I feel that his health was a factor. He seemed very stressed out to me, and after a match one day, he disappeared down the tunnel the second the whistle was blown. Paul Jewell - a great manager and a great man.
