Former Wigan Athletic manager Paul Jewell believes the club would not be where it is today if it wasn't for Dave Whelan.
The Latics owner has overseen multiple promotions, an FA Cup triumph and Europe League football since he took over his hometown club back in 1995.
Whelan, a former Blackburn Rovers and Crewe Alexandra player, helped guide the Latics to the Premier League in 2005 when Jewell was at the helm and his assistance has certainly not been lost on the former defender who managed at the DW Stadium between 2001 and 2007 and was a player at the club between 1984 and 1988.
"He employs a lot of people in the town, he was a footballer himself and he's put his money where his mouth is," Jewell told Press Association Sport.
"If it weren't for Dave Whelan, Wigan Athletic wouldn't be where they are today. A lot of people have played a big part in it but he is the main man. At his stage of his life he's reaping the benefits now.
"You sit here now and you look at the FA Cup and that Wigan Athletic have been in the Premier League - hopefully they'll be able to bounce back - it's great not just for Dave Whelan, but the people of Wigan."
