Dave Whelan backs Jewell for England post

By Alan G
January 25 2006

Wigan Athletic chairman Dave whelan believes Latics boss Paul Jewell has the qualities for the England job. Whelan is keen for the FA to appoint an Englishman when Sven-Goran Eriksson departs after the World Cup

He said: "If the FA knocked on his door and said 'Paul, we're offering you the job' he would jump at it."

Whelan stated he was proud that Jewell had been touted for the post:

"Obviously, I don't want to lose Paul, but if the FA came for him and wanted him as manager then I would feel so proud.

"Whatever he says to the press, I know Paul is an ambitious person. He is brilliant and good enough to do it, as is Sam Allardyce, Alan Curbishley or Stuart Pearce.

"I'm not saying Paul would get it, but he has to be a candidate as he is one of the six great young managers we have in this country."

Whelan is obviously keen for the FA to appoint an Englishman when Sven Goran Eriksson departs after the world cup: "The England job is so big that when the FA make a decision, and I hope they make the right one, they have to choose one of the top English managers - and Paul is one of those."