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Jewell then told the official site of his reasons for signing the 30 year old midfielder: "I know Gareth well from Bradford and I know what he can do, so we'll have a good look at him to see where that takes us. It's something we might pursue, we might not, it's a case of seeing what shape he's in.
"Gareth is a good footballer. He was player of the year at Bradford the season we got promoted, and is the type of player who keeps things simple and keeps the ball moving."
It is too soon for the player to get into the squad for tonight's game with Burnley but he may make an appearance for the reserves in midweek and if match fit, may make the squad for Sheffield United.
With Jason Jarrett injured, Mitchell and Flynn out on loan, Whalley is a welcome addition to the engine room with only Bullard and Frandsen fit at the moment.
Jewell has since told the official site: "I know all about Gareth and he brings us added quality and another body to our squad. We've signed him on a free until the end of the season and although it'll take him a couple of weeks to get right up to full fitness, he is in very good shape anyway. He's a left footed player and is probably most similar to Per in the way that he has great experience and can sit in front of the back four and play from there.
"With Mike Flynn and Tony Dinning out on loan, and Jason Jarrett out injured, we are glad of the extra body within the squad especially when we've been able to add someone with Gareth's quality. I'm very pleased to have brought him in and he will add even more competition to the squad and I think he can prove a very influential signing for us."