Paper Talk: Quality the key word for Jewell

Last updated : 19 May 2004 By Paul Farrington
The manager reckons Latics fell short in vital games last term and that ultimately cost them a play-off place.

To avoid a repeat of that in 2004/05 and to compete in what he believes will be a stronger First Division, Jewell will demand more from the players already on the books and try to give them a lift with a sprinkling of new signings.

He said: "Just missing out on the play-offs makes us even more determined to be better next season.

Paul Jewell
"It is going to be harder next time because the level of expectation has been raised.

"During the summer it is my job to improve the squad and get even more out of the players already here.

"As a group of players, they did a smashing job last season and went beyond expectations.

"But I felt we fell down at vital times in vital games, and while that wasn't through a lack of effort, it's something we will address.

"It will be a stronger division next season with some good teams coming down from the Premiership and some strong ones coming up.

"We have to be ready for that challenge and I'll be working hard to make sure we meet it."

Jewell has been back at his desk this week after a couple of days away on the golf course to recharge his batteries.

Talks are planned with the players who have offered new contracts to see if they will be accepting the terms.

And Jewell has been working through the list of players released by other clubs to see if there are any bargains to be had on a Bosman.

Latics have already been linked with a number of transfer targets as they prepare for the new campaign.

Torquay striker David Graham, scorer of 23 goals in the Gulls' successful promotion campaign, is a reported £250,000 target.

And Blackburn's Garry Flitcroft is another thought to be on the wish list, although the midfielder said at the weekend he wouldn't be leaving Rovers.

But Jewell said: "I don't deal in speculation and whoever I bring in have to be the right ones.

"I never dive into the transfer market and I only want players who are better than what we have already got."

Latics are also in the process of organising their schedule of pre-season games, with just one concrete fixture arranged to date – a visit to Gigg Lane to play Bury on July 24.

Nottingham Forest manager Joe Kinnear has signed Leicester defender Andy Impey on a permanent basis.

The 32-year-old spent the last three months of the season at the City Ground on loan and impressed Kinnear sufficiently to earn a 12-month deal.

Source: Wigan Evening Post.