WELLENS FINDS A JEWELL OF A LATICS DEPUTY

RICHIE Wellens is one of the most inexperienced managers in the EFL, but he will now have a wise old head to guide him at Oldham Athletic after Paul Jewell was named as his assistant.

Wellens, 37, took on his first managerial job when he replaced the sacked John Sheridan at Boundary Park in September.

He has since lifted the Latics out of the relegation zone.

Jewell, 52, has managed in the Premier League with Bradford and Wigan, as well as having spells in charge of Sheffield Wednesday, Derby and Ipswich.

Though he’s been out of football since 2012, he is adamant his experience will benefit Wellens.

Jewell said: “A role like this is something I think I can fulfil. I don’t want to be the manager.

“Richie is new to the job and he’s young, like I was when I got my first managerial role. I think I was 32.

“When you look back, you’re never ready. You think you are but you’ve no idea what it entails, you wing it really.

“I’m here to do what he wants me to do and to help him.

“I’m not here to take his job. That definitely won’t be happening.”