Jewell at lowest ebb

Derby boss desperate to improve team's form

Last updated: 26th August 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Jewell at lowest ebb

Jewell: Feeling the pressure

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Paul Jewell hopes to be given time to turn Derby County's fortunes around after admitting he is feeling at his lowest ebb in his managerial career.

Former Wigan boss Jewell has yet to win a league game as Derby manager since he took charge at Pride Park last November.

The Rams were relegated from the Premier League and have endured a miserable start to the new Championship season following home defeats to Doncaster and Southampton either side of a draw at Bristol City.

Reports have suggested Jewell has to beat Barnsley at the weekend to save his job but he remains determined to be a success at Derby.

Toughest time

"It's the lowest I have felt as a manager," Jewell told the Derby Evening Telegraph. "I did not sleep a wink all weekend. In fact, I haven't slept a wink for nine months!

"At Wigan, we were knocked out of the FA Cup by non-League Canvey Island and were bottom of Division Two, the old Third Division.

"I am trying to draw on all my previous experiences as a manager but this is the toughest time I have faced because this is the biggest and best club I have been at.

"Maybe because I want it so desperately, maybe because I want to get it right and give the fans a team to be proud of, I am putting more pressure on myself.

"I signed a three-and-a-half year contract, not a one-year contract. Hopefully I will be here to see that through.

"I know people are doubting me but, hopefully, I can prove to them that I can do the job. I know I can do the job.

"We are getting knocked from everywhere right now and we have got to be careful not to knock ourselves. I know we are not very good at the moment but I believe we will be good eventually."