Having watched West Ham United deny Wigan a place in the play-offs last season with an equaliser in the dying minutes on the last day of a campaign that had promised so much, Jewell has been reluctant to entertain talk of top-flight football at the JJB Stadium next term. But the signs this week were that his tough exterior was finally starting to crack and while he is keen to guard against complacency this time around, Jewell knows his record come the final day makes, by and large, for positive reading.
“I was in charge of Bradford when they beat Wolves on the last day of the 1998-99 season to pip Ipswich for promotion, and we beat Liverpool on the last day of the following season to stay up. Then last season with Wigan we missed out on the play-offs with what was almost the last kick of the game, so I really am quite used to going into last games needing something.”
Jewell is adamant those memories will hold him in good stead against Reading, but accepts that Joe Royle, the Ipswich manager, has experienced similar highs and lows, and believes Sunday will be one of the most interesting and intense final-day promotion chases for years.
“I am paid to cope with pressure like this — it’s my job,” he said. “Obviously, I am keyed up inside because I am passionate about the situation, as I’m sure Joe is, but I just want the very best for this club. I coped with a similar situation at Bradford and I am sure I can cope with trying to get Wigan into the Premiership.
“I think we will get enough points to be promoted, but we cannot let the magnitude of the occasion get to us.”
Jewell admits that he can barely contain his excitement at the prospect of the JJB Stadium hosting the elite of English football next season. “Everyone here at Wigan wants to play in the big games,” he said. “I want to be back in the Premiership and to be playing the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool next year. It’s a great time for the fans and everyone in the town of Wigan. I’m sure they’ll be in the pubs and clubs trying to work out with their pals which side I’ll play and that’s what it’s all about.”
Meanwhile, Dave Whelan, the Wigan chairman, has said that he will sit down with Jewell at the end of the season to discuss an extension to his contract. Jewell is expected to sign for a further two years.
TWISTS AND TURNS ON THE FINAL DAY OF THE SEASON
2001-02: West Bromwich Albion, in second place, enter the final day a point clear of Wolverhampton Wanderers but with a goal difference three worse. Wolves take an early lead away to Sheffield Wednesday, giving them the edge, but Albion are soon ahead as well at home to Crystal Palace and they go on to win 2-0 and gain promotion as Wolves’ 2-2 draw is rendered irrelevant.
1999-2000: To pip Manchester City to automatic promotion, Ipswich Town need to beat Walsall at home and hope City lose away to Blackburn Rovers. That is happening until City come from behind in the final half-hour for a 4-1 victory, while Ipswich win 2-0.
1998-99: Bradford City, in second, start the final day a point clear of Ipswich, who have a better goal difference, and three ahead of Birmingham City, whose inferior goal difference gives them only an outside chance of going up automatically. Defeat away to Sunderland ends Birmingham’s hopes, but in any case Bradford clinch promotion by coming from 1-0 down away to Wolves to win 3-2, while Ipswich beat Sheffield United 4-1 at home.
Duke's Day - Wigan Evening Post
Paul Jewell hopes the huge importance of Wigan Athletic's clash with Reading on Sunday can reignite Nathan Ellington.
Three points from the Royals' visit to the JJB Stadium and Latics are in the Premiership, and the Duke is potentially a key figure.
But he has not scored in six starts and the striker's last goal from open play was on February 26 at Gillingham.
Jewell dropped Ellington to the bench for the recent games with Leicester and Queens Park Rangers before recalling him at Preston on Saturday.
It was hoped his scoring record against them would see him return to the goal trail but he looked subdued and was replaced by David Graham for the final quarter of an hour.
Jewell said: "The Duke was lacking in confidence a bit on Saturday so we need to get some work into him.
"Hopefully the magnitude of the Reading game will spark him into life.
"Players have a dip in confidence every now and then, especially strikers, so it's not a great concern.
"He looked a little bit off the pace at Preston but I'm sure he will come good on Sunday.
"Nathan has been fantastic for us this season, scored 23 goals, and I can see him having a big say this weekend."
Jewell is confident the Latics team as a whole can hold their nerve when play-off chasing Reading are in town.
He's in a positive mood, delighted that a win would see them rubbing shoulders with the elite of English football next season.
Jewell said: "We couldn't have asked for anymore, it's in our own hands.
"If we win, no one can touch us and that's a position most clubs would have settled for going into the last game.
"Sunday will be a massive day and we need everyone pulling together to help us achieve what we set out to do."
Jewell gave the squad yesterday off to recharge the batteries. He reported no injuries from the Preston game, with his three substitutions all tactical.
Meanwhile, chairman Dave Whelan admits the promotion bid going right down to the wire has given him a rare attack of nerves.
The club's owner has seen Latics climb through the Football League during 10 years of investment by him.
He said: "It is nerve-racking to say the least and I don't normally suffer from nerves.
"When you have lost a cup final like I did at Blackburn, you've suffered your worst defeat in football.
"But that hasn't stopped me getting nervous this time and it's real edge of your seat stuff at the moment.
"We're close to realising a dream here.
"You can't plan success but when I took over 10 years ago I stated my ambition was the Premiership.
"It might have sounded stupid, but if you don't have ambition you aren't going to go anywhere in football.
"Ambition is something that drives the club, it gives supporters something to think about and the players something to aim for."