Jewell's health caused walk-out

Less than 24 hours after rescuing the club from relegation with a last-day 2-1 win at Sheffield United, Jewell ended his six-year Wigan fairytale with an emotional farewell.

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While bookmakers installed the 42-year-old former Bradford boss as favourite to succeed Stuart Pearce at Manchester City, Wigan owner Dave Whelan revealed the full extent of his concerns for Jewell.

Whelan has handed the reins to No 2 Chris Hutchings, who also succeeded Jewell at Bradford when he left for Sheffield Wednesday in 2000.

But owner Whelan was more troubled by Jewell's health than any suspicion that he would be targeted by City — a move that would trigger Wigan claims for the £750,000 release fee in Jewell's contract.

It is believed Jewell plans to unwind by taking time out to watch the progress of his son, who has recently become a professional golfer.

Jewell wants to give some family support by watching his early progress during the summer and get away from the pressures of top-flight football for a few months.

Whelan admitted tears were shed as Jewell, who steered Wigan to two promotions and a Carling Cup Final in last season's debut Premiership campaign, said farewell to players, staff and his chairman.

Jewell, drained by the constant demands of six years in charge, told his stunned squad: "I need a break."

Whelan said: "It wasn't a huge shock to me because I've seen Paul's health deteriorate in the last three months. On two or three occasions I've had to sit down with him and lift his spirits — that's not Paul.

"He usually lifts my spirits. I know he's been falling out with his wife and the family. The pressure has told on him, without question.

"The first question I asked was, 'Who are you going to work for?' But no club has approached him. He tells the truth, never hides and never lies.

"He has to have six months off. I asked him to have a holiday for a month at our house in Barbados then see what he thought when fully recovered. He said, 'Thank you very much but I've got to have six months' rest'. And I have to say I agree."

Whelan, who hired Jewell in June 2001, said he had already earmarked Hutchings, a highly respected coach, to take up the reins before Jewell resigned.

"He [Hutchings] is not a big name but he's learned a hell of a lot from Paul. I'm right behind him," added Whelan.

Hutchings, who will be officially unveiled on Tuesday, led Bradford into the InterToto Cup but failed to accommodate highly-paid signings Benito Carbone and Stan Collymore.

Whelan said: "Chris wasn't a success at Bradford and they were relegated. But that's history. He does a lot more at Wigan than people give him credit for."