Wigan plotting a Jewell heist after Hutchings is sacked

Whelan hopes to persuade Jewell to make a sensational return six months after he quit the club following their last-day escape from relegation.

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But if Jewell, now rested and eager to return to management, decides that would be a backward step, Whelan has drawn up a short-list which includes England Under 21 boss Stuart Pearce and former Newcastle manager Graeme Souness.

Whelan flew off for a holiday in Barbados on Monday but not before ending Hutchings' 175-day reign after a 2-0 home defeat by Chelsea left Wigan in the bottom three.

Jewell is on a golfing break in Dubai but Whelan is in no hurry for an answer and hopes the manager who steered the club to two promotions and a League Cup Final in six years will give the idea serious consideration.

Souness, who led Whelan's old club Blackburn to a League Cup triumph in 2002, has told friends he would relish taking the helm and although bookmakers stopped taking bets last night, Sportsmail understands there is opposition to him from within Wigan.

Whelan was the first to push for Pearce to replace Sven Goran Eriksson as England manager but his record in the transfer market might count against him. The FA hierarchy might also oppose a club comeback.

Other candidates include Real Sociedad manager Chris Coleman, although Whelan would have to pay £1million compensation to the Spanish club, and Roberto Martinez, one of Whelan's famous 'Three Amigos' in the Nineties. He has made a superb start to management at Swansea, where he has not yet signed his two-year contract.

Hutchings, given the bad news on Saturday night, went into training on Monday morning to say goodbye to his players, who were stunned that the manager had not been given more time.

No 2 Frank Barlow will be in charge against fellow strugglers Tottenham on Saturday and probably the following week at Arsenal — where no prospective manager would want to start a new job.

Hutchings had pinned his hopes on England striker Emile Heskey's impending return but a sixth successive defeat was too much for a grim-faced Whelan.

Hutchings was sacked almost seven years to the day after being fired from his previous No 1 role at Bradford, coincidentally having stepped up when Jewell quit Valley Parade, just as he did at Wigan.

Whelan said: 'Having been such a big part of the success, I felt Chris deserved to be given the chance as No 1 and receive full backing to shape the team as he wished.

'I cannot fault his effort and commitment. However, it is crucial we maintain Premier League status and following recent results and performances, we feel it is critical to act quickly.'

Hutchings said: 'I believe I have assembled an excellent bunch of players and I still firmly believe that, over time, they will prove their worth and push this club to the next level. I wish everyone nothing but success.'