Paper Talk: Leeds link

Jewell made this mistake before when he left Bradford, he has learnt

The highly-rated boss is reportedly one of three men identified by the relegated club as potential managers.

Iain Dowie, who like Jewell is chasing a play-off place with Crystal Palace, and Stoke's Tony Pulis are the others linked.

According to reports in Yorkshire, Jewell is the choice of Leeds' managing director David Richmond – son of Geoffrey Richmond who was the chairman at Bradford during Jewell's time there.

Latics haven't given any comment on the matter, treating it merely as speculation, while Leeds say no-one has been approached.

In any case, Eddie Gray is still in charge at Elland Road and no decision will be made on his future until at least next week.

But if he does step down after failing to keep them in the top flight, Leeds are thought to want a manager who knows the Nationwide League and is used to working on a tight budget.

It's not the first time this season Jewell has been linked with a job away from Wigan.

The national media put him in the frame for the Southampton post before Paul Sturrock took charge.

Jewell, though, is content with life at Latics and has another two years to run on the contract he signed last summer.

He enjoys a good working relationship with chairman Dave Whelan and has high hopes of taking the club further forward.

Dowie has been the most strongly linked with Leeds having turned around fortunes dramatically at Selhurst Park.

But Leeds director Melvyn Helme said: "A decision about Eddie Gray's future has not yet been made.

"There have been no approaches by this club and no-one else should be speaking with other managers unless they are in a position to do so."

Speculation is like water off a duck's back to Jewell and he was today getting on with the task of preparing his squad for Sunday's crunch with West Ham.

18,000 plus on for Saturday!

The players reported back for training this morning after being given the day off yesterday.

While Jewell is hopeful Latics will reach the play-off, plans are in place to strengthen the squad should they face another season in the First Division next term.

He said: "This season has all been about us learning, for a lot of the lads, this was the first time they had played at this level.

"I'm not being pessimistic but if we don't make it, with a few additions to the squad in the summer, I think we will be a lot better."

Meanwhile, ticket sales for Sunday have almost reached the 18,000 mark, ensuring a record football attendance in the JJB.

The ticket office will stay open until 2pm tomorrow, but will not be open on the day of the game.