Jewell a target for Aston Villa?

By Alan G
March 27 2006

Latics boss Paul Jewell has been linked with a surprise move to top-flight strugglers Aston Villa. Jewell has become one of the hottest managerial properties in England after leading us to a major cup final and to within sight of Europe

Aston Villa boss David O'Leary is under increasing pressure after failing to build on two promising seasons at Villa Park, and he has been tipped to leave the club at the end of the season.

 

Should O'Leary depart the club, Villa chairman Doug Ellis is believed to have targeted Jewell as a possible replacement.

 

Dave Whelan has previously commented however, that Jewell will only be allowed to leave to further his career, i.e. join one of the Premierships biggest clubs, and it can be argued that Villa no longer fit into this category.

 

Jewell himself will not be drawn into such idle speculation, preferring instead to concentrate on transfer possibilities as he looks to strengthen the squad during the summer.

 

Recently chairman Dave Whelan said he would be looking to add around five new players to the squad as well as allowing players to leave but Jewell refuses to be drawn.

 

Jewell said: "As well as not letting the season drift away we have to look at the areas we have to get better in next season.

 

"We already know those areas, but I'll only bring in players that I think will improve the squad, I don't want to play the numbers game, I never have done that, but we are actively trying to improve it now for next season.

 

"Hopefully come August we'll have the players we want as perhaps a lot more will want to come here now."