Paul Jewell leaves Ipswich job

Ipswich have parted company with manager Paul Jewell by mutual consent.

Last night's 2-1 home defeat to Derby sent Town to the foot of the npower Championship table, 10 matches on from their solitary league win this term against Watford.

Former Bradford, Wigan and Derby boss Jewell, who took charge at Portman Road in January 2011, suggested he was close to quitting following the weekend loss to Hull and did not appear at last night's post-match press conference.

"Since he first walked through the door here, no one has worked harder to bring success to this football club than Paul Jewell," club owner Marcus Evans said on Ipswich's official website.

"Unfortunately his outstanding commitment has not been rewarded by results on the pitch and having spoken with Paul at length, we feel it's best for him and the club if we go our separate ways."

Evans continued: "I'm bitterly disappointed - as is Paul - that it has not worked out as we had hoped when he became our manager 21 months ago and I would like to put on record my thanks for his services to the club and wish him every success in the future."

Jewell added: "I could not have had any more support than I have done from Marcus Evans and (chief executive) Simon Clegg. I have enjoyed working with both of them in my time as Ipswich Town manager.

"We all know that football is a results business though and I've never hidden from the fact that our results have not been good enough.

"It's been a privilege to be manager of such a fantastic football club and I want to thank the staff and the supporters for the backing they have given me in my time at the club and wish Ipswich Town the best of fortunes ahead."

Clegg stated the search for Jewell's successor is already in full swing and confirmed his long-time assistant Chris Hutchings will serve as caretaker manager with Sheffield Wednesday's weekend visit to Portman Road on the horizon.

"The search for a new manager of this football club is well under way and I am confident that we will find the right man to get the best out of the players, both individually and collectively, and lead the team to future success," said Clegg.

"The immediate focus is to ensure we secure three points on Saturday and in this regards I have asked Chris Hutchings to take over as caretaker manager."