Jewell: Two more players would be nice

Last updated : 13 January 2006 By Paul Farrington
The 24 year old Portsmouth full back has been linked with a move up north but Jewell is not interested in strengtening his defence after the addition of Paul Schaner.

He told the Manchester Evening News: "We have been close to one or two deals and they haven't happened.

"We are quite well off for defenders if everyone is fit but we are not too well off for forwards or players in the wide areas. But it is important I don't get frustrated and make the wrong signings."

Meanwhile Jewell has re-iterated his message to the fans that the league is more important to the cup. This coems ahead of the third round replay with

Moaning again Arsene?
Leeds on Tuesday followed by a trip to Highbury in the semi-final of the Carling Cup.

Jewell added: "The Premiership is the Holy Grail for us and we all know that anything that comes after survival is a bonus. You will see by the crowd that was here against Arsenal and the crowd that will be here on Sunday.

"Okay we wanted to win the game but I wouldn't swap cup success for league survival. I want both but the league is more important. All day long the league comes before the cup."

After the 1-0 win in the first leg, Jewell criticised Wenger for being a sore loser. The Latics manager highlighted Wenger's reaction to Jason Roberts' challenge with Almunia in the second half.

Jewell commented: "It's quite funny because Jason played against Arsenal this season when they beat us 3-2 and Arsene said very nice things about him after they beat us.

"It seems whenever we beat opposition these so-called top managers are very good at giving praise at our players but not so much when they lose. I don't like losing but you have got to be able to take it. You have got to respect the opposition and give credit where it is due whatever the score.

"I don't like to say anything about the opposition unless it is good and I would rather people, if they are going to have a go at our team, keep it to themselves."

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