Wigan, who confirmed the decision to the BBC, had scheduled a press conference for 3pm (1400 GMT) to provide further details of a move which had been widely predicted.

According to reports, the 42-year-old had decided to leave the JJB Stadium because he felt he could not take Wigan any further after two seasons in the Premiership.

The 2-1 win over Sheffield United ensured the league's smallest club remained in the top flight courtesy of a superior goal difference over their final-day opponents.

But Jewell's departure means they will start next season among the favourites to drop back down to the Championship.

The manager is expected to seek a job at a bigger club and is seen as the leading candidate to take over at Manchester City, who are expected to sack Stuart Pearce after their disappointing season ended with a 2-1 defeat by Tottenham.

When Jewell joined Wigan in 2001, they were in the third tier of English football.

He secured promotion to Championship as winners of that division in 2002-03 and two years later took Wigan into the top flight as runners-up to Sunderland.