Hutchings in as Jewell quits

Wigan have appointed assistant boss Chris Hutchings as the club's new manager after Paul Jewell resigned today less than 24 hours after leading the club to Premiership safety.

For Hutchings, who takes over following Wigan's 2-1 win over Sheffield United, it is a case of history repeating itself after he took over the reins at Bradford from Jewell in similar circumstances in 2000.

Jewell, who has been linked with a move to Manchester City if the Eastlands board lose patience with current boss Stuart Pearce, stepped down from his role at the JJB Stadium despite celebrating wildly with chairman Dave Whelan yesterday after David Unsworth's penalty kept the Latics up at the expense of their opponents.

"I have made this decision with a heavy heart, but I feel it is time for me to have a break from football," said Jewell.  "I have given everything I have as a person to bringing success here over the past six years and it is not an easy thing to walk away from somewhere and something which has been such a part of your life for so long.

"The intensity of football at the highest level, although completely addictive, is also very draining, and I feel I would be kidding the chairman, my players and the supporters if I was to carry on without being able to put in the energy and dedication I know is required to be successful at this level.

"I reserve a big thank you to my assistant Chris Hutchings who has been as loyal and hard working a colleague as anyone could wish for. Wigan Athletic is a fantastic club that I am convinced can go on to establish themselves in the Barclays Premiership for years to come, and my decision does not change anything of that because all the foundations are in place."

Jewell also thanked the chairman, players and supporters for their support.

Hutchings' (49) appointment completes a busy couple of days for Wigan, who went into yesterday's end-of-season programme in the bottom three but edged out the Blades in a frantic 90 minutes.

When Jewell was installed at the JJB Stadium, the Latics were in the third tier of English football and his work alongside Whelan in reaching the Premiership was a fine achievement