PAUL Jewell has revealed Wigan are so financially secure that they do not need European football next season.

Following Tuesday night's 3-2 win over Aston Villa at the JJB Stadium - the club's first home Premiership victory since Boxing Day - the Latics are back in the hunt for a UEFA Cup spot.

Clinching a place in Europe would prove to be the most astonishing end to what has already been a fairytale season for Jewell and his players.

However, despite the fact Wigan have not been out of the top half of the Barclays Premiership table since the start of September, Europe is not a priority.

It is why Wigan chose not to put their name forward for the Intertoto Cup, despite its revamped format meaning fewer matches.

When asked whether Wigan were one of seven clubs chasing the sole place in the competition, Jewell replied: "No. Definitely not.

Holidays

"When is it anyway? July? I'm on my holidays!"

He then added: "Chris (Hutchings, his assistant) had the experience with Bradford, and I know it's different now, but it's a bit of a false economy.

"We're not geared up to go into Europe, and financially-wise we don't have to, unlike maybe the likes of Newcastle and others.

"The Intertoto could have an adverse effect on us anyway because for us the most important thing now is next season.

"If we're playing competitive games in mid-July, then the season becomes even longer.

"So all joking aside, it wouldn't have been wise for us to enter it.

"If we happen to get into Europe anyway, so be it. This season is already a success because we're going to finish higher than 17th.

"The minimum requirement was always to stay in this league, and we have done that at a canter. It's been difficult, but we've achieved it really well."

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