But he says that is not necessarily the case this season even though his two main recruits this term – Jason Roberts and Alan Mahon – have a top flight background.
Jewell said: "It is not the criteria when we try to sign someone that they can play in the Premiership.
"When we were clear at the top of the Second Division last year we bought players in to play at First Division level and they have proved they can do that.
"It would obviously help if any signings we make could play in the Premiership but my only concern at the moment is to give ourselves every opportunity to be in the shake-up."
With Roberts and Mahon in the bag following a dogged pursuit of them for some months, Jewell is continuing to try to strengthen Latics' hand further.
He has identified a couple of specific squad positions which need attention but wouldn't pass up the chance of bolstering other areas.
Jewell said: "No manager is ever fully satisfied with his squad, just look at Chelsea who are always buying players.
"I'm no different and whatever the result on a Saturday, you are always looking to improve.
"There are one or two particular positions here which I'd like to strengthen, but if a player becomes available at the right price in whatever position, I will try and get him.
"Saying that, I'm not dissatisfied with the squad here. They are a great bunch of players to work with.
"The biggest compliment I can pay them is they are just like the lads I had a Bradford.
"We are all going in the same direction, they enjoy coming into work, and I enjoy working with them.
"That will get us a long way but I think we still need to improve the squad here and there, and tweak it.
"It's an ongoing thing and when a new signing comes in, it gives the players a boost.
"The players now know that we can go from the back to the front very quickly without having to launch the ball."
Jewell says he will continue to be careful with Dave Whelan's money when entering the transfer market, looking at both ends of the financial scale.
"I'm choosy when it comes to signings and I don't play the numbers game," he said.
"There have been a few raised eyebrows when we have bought players from so-called unfashionable clubs such as Jimmy Bullard from Peterborough, Jason Jarrett from Bury and Mike Flynn who we got from Barry Town.
"They have come in, got better and better, and will continue to improve.
"People go on about the amount of money we have spent but not much is said about the free transfers like Nicky Eaden and Matt Jackson, and Ian Breckin for £150,000.
"Among the so-called millions I have spent, there are some little gems who haven't cost a lot of money."
Meanwhile, a Latics reserve side played a behind closed doors friendly at Manchester City yesterday to fill a gap in the Pontins Holiday League fixture list.
They ran out 2-0 winners against a young City side, Joey Roberts and Neil Roberts on target.
Steve McMillan played ahead of a probable recall to the first team for the game at Stoke a week on Saturday.
He will be needed to fill the left-back role at the Britannia Stadium with Leighton Baines serving a one-match ban for his red card against Ipswich.
Last week, McMillan got his first taste of senior action since November, coming on as a late substitute following Baines' dismissal.
Source : Wigan Evening Post.