But with the race to reach the top flight one of the tightest for many years, Jewell thinks the gap can be closed.
A win at Ipswich in front of the Sky cameras this weekend would start the ball rolling, and would guarantee them moving up at least one place.
And with games against three of the top four still to come – including the leading pair – the Latics boss reckons there is everything to play for.
Jewell said: "We haven't given up hope of getting automatic promotion although it's not something I tend to talk about.
"I know if we go on a decent run – something we are capable of doing – then we can do it.
"While we have been disappointed with the results at home recently, we haven't been losing too many games.
"I'm pleased with what the players have been doing here and the progress the club is making.Whatever happens this season, we want to be even stronger next year.
"We are doing well at the moment because this is a tough division whatever some people will tell you.
"It has been suggested the standard isn't as high.
"But I disagree with that because there are some really good teams in Division One.
"If you look outside the top six, there's West Ham who have too many good players not be in the final shake-up.
"Cardiff are considered a good side too while there is Reading who have seen it and done it in the last couple of years."
Jewell is still targeting two players to help with the determined promotion push, thought to be Blackburn's left sided midfielder Alan Mahon and Southampton right-back Chris Baird.
A problem in luring Mahon to the JJB Stadium is that the former Sporting Lisbon player is now back in Graeme Souness' plans at Rovers.
He was a second half substitute in their 3-2 defeat to Chelsea on Sunday and it is thought Souness wants to hold on to him due to injuries to left-sided players in his squad.
Jewell said: "I was hopeful last week of doing a deal but then it was off. It is something I'm still trying to do but I don't know if my target is back in his manager's plans now.
"As is often the case in football, circumstances do change.
"I'm always looking to improve the squad, and a win, loss or draw at the weekend doesn't make a difference – you have to look at the bigger picture.
"I have two targets at the moment and I'm trying hard to make them happen.
If they don't happen I can't just pluck others out of thin air, they have to be the right ones."
Meanwhile, the Latics squad took to the running track yesterday as they look towards their visit to Ipswich.
With the training ground still soaked, the Robin Park Arena was the venue for some serious running work.
Jewell said: "It wasn't a punishment going on the track but it was a case of needs must with the weather.
"It was a good chance for the lads to get a good blow out on a Monday morning."
Courtesy of the Wigan Evening Post.
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