Jewell gives Royle approval

Jewell revealed he rejected a "fabulous" offer to succeed Chris Hutchings, meaning the club are now looking for someone else to fill the role - with former Oldham, Everton and Ipswich boss Royle believed to be in the frame.

"Whoever takes the Wigan job has a good enough squad to get out of trouble. Joe has been there, seen it and done it," Jewell told Sky Sports News. "He is a very experienced man, and he ticks all the boxes."

But he added: "There are a lot of managers who are out of work, and they have got a decent list to choose from I should think."

Jewell was clearly the man Dave Whelan wanted after he had expressed an interest in returning to management.

He left Wigan in May after a 1-1 draw away to Sheffield United on the final day of last season ensured their survival in the Premier League and has had an extended break from the game.

"The chairman called me last week and made me a fabulous offer and I said to him that I would stick to what I had said in May," Jewell continued.

"I have had my time at Wigan, I enjoyed it immensely and I think it's time for myself and Wigan to search for pastures new.

"I am very proud of the fact that when we were there, we took them from the third tier of English football and left them as a Premier League club which no one would have believed before we went there.

"I've got a unique relationship with the football club and the chairman and I think I have done well for them. I want to leave it at that."