So Jewell was in a positive frame of mind as he put the squad through their paces in training and looked forward to Sunday's crucial Royal appointment.
He told the Evening Post: "People have been talking about the progress Wigan Athletic have made and we now want to take it one step further to the Holy Grail which is the Premiership.
"Everyone here will be part of history if we do it and we're all in this game to try and achieve success.
"If we could get into the Premiership it would be a wonderful achievement and that is well within our grasp.
"Sunday afternoon would surpass all afternoons were we to be promoted and it's the job of myself and the staff this week to make sure we are focused on the job of winning the match.
"There are only three points available from the game but what is at stake overall is absolutely massive.
"We are a good side, there is no getting away from it, and the stats not only from this season but the last two, will tell you that.
"We have added players along the way and are stronger for that.
"We have also been in this situation before of needing to win the last game of the season which could help.
"Last season we couldn't quite manage it but I think we will go one better this time."
Jewell is trying to keep the training schedule and routine as normal as possible this week leading up to Reading's visit.
He has decided against keeping the squad in a hotel on Saturday night, preferring the usual build-up to a home fixture.
Jewell said: "I thought about a hotel but decided making the minimum of fuss would be the better approach.
"We'll train on Saturday morning then the lads will go home and get their feet up, coming in on Sunday morning ready for the biggest game of their lives.
"We can't allow outside interests and nerves to affect us.
"This week will be a good positive week with us fired up in training.
"I wasn't happy with the way we played at Preston on Saturday and neither were the players themselves.
"But we got a point and put us in a position where promotion is still in our own hands with one game left.
"If we win, whatever happens at Brighton doesn't affect us, so I wouldn't swap our situation with Ipswich."
Statistically-minded supporters will have noted Latics haven't won any of the last nine meetings with the Royals.
The last Wigan victory came just over five years ago, with two games of the winless run coming the following year in the old Second Division play-off semi-finals.
But Jewell isn't letting the record worry him, saying: "It's about time we broke that run.
"Whatever is in the way on Sunday, we have to put to the back of our minds and try and get a result."
Sky Sports have chosen the game for live coverage, while the club are urging supporters to book their seats in advance, although the game isn't all ticket.
Sales have been brisk while a big following is expected from Reading, who could yet clinch a play-off place.