CUT-PRICE JEWELL.Byline: ALAN NIXON WIGAN Wigan (wĭg`ən), city (1991 pop. 88,725) and metropolitan district, N England, located in the Manchester metropolitan area on the Douglas River. supremo su·pre·mo n. pl. su·pre·mos Chiefly British One who is highest in authority or command, as of an organization. [Spanish and Italian, supreme, supremo, from Latin Dave Whelan David Whelan born in Bradford on 24 November, 1936, and raised in Wigan, is a former professional football player with Blackburn Rovers and the current owner of Wigan Warriors and Wigan Athletic. He is the former owner of JJB Sports and owns the JJB Stadium where both teams play. will pick his next boss on the cheap - with Roberto Martinez and Darren Ferguson facing a battle with old favourite Paul Jewell for the post. Whelan has been clawing back cash from his investment at the club in the past year and insiders revealed he wants the new man on lower wages than Steve Bruce, working with a tighter budget - and with little compensation. The veteran businessman pocketed pounds 3million from Sunderland for Bruce and his staff, but he has no plans to re-invest at that level - with one eye on a potential sale of his club further down the line. Whelan will make an official approach to speak to Swansea boss Martinez and Peterborough's Ferguson when he returns from holiday. And Jewell is also in the frame because he is a free agent. Martinez's compensation is around pounds 750,000 - a sum that is putting Wigan off. News of Celtic's interest in the Spaniard will not worry Whelan as Latics insiders doubt that move is serious. Ferguson - pushed hard by his father Sir Alex - would also cost pounds 250,000 in a 'transfer fee' which keeps him inside Whelan's budget. His wages would not scare Wigan either. But it is Jewell's name being mentioned at the highest level. His disastrous spell at Derby County does not deter Whelan, who wanted him back before. The new man will be able to start with a clean sheet - and money in the bank. All Bruce's backroom back·room n. or back room 1. A room located at the rear. 2. The meeting place used by an inconspicuous controlling group. adj. 1. staff are leaving, which will let his successor bring in who he wants. CAPTION(S): WANTED Swansea chief Martinez is in the frame at Wigan pounds |
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