PAUL Jewell insists he has still got the fight and self-belief to turn things around at Ipswich Town.

Speaking about a host of issues in an exclusive interview with the EADT – the first part of which is inside today’s paper, with the second instalment following on Monday – Jewell has spoken honestly about the effect his side’s poor form is having on him and his family, admitting it can be a ‘lonely job’.

Keen to emphasise he is not looking for sympathy, the Liverpudlian insists he can deal with the criticism though – even though he believes many opinions in football are ‘misguided’.

And with the next generation of young bosses beginning to make their names in the game, the footballing traditionalist – whose successes at Bradford and Wigan are rapidly becoming overshadowed by recent struggles at Derby and Town – is keen to prove he is not yesterday’s man.

With just four days of the January transfer window left, Jewell is running out of time to land the new recruits so badly required following a return of just eight points from a possible 45.

The EADT, however, understands that a flurry of deals could still happen in time for Tuesday’s visit of Championship table-toppers West Ham United to Portman Road.

“I can understand the fans are frustrated and bored with the lack of progress,” said Jewell. “A year after I took over we’re no further forward in terms of league position, but I’m further forward in my mind as to the players that are needed to challenge for the future.

“I’ve made mistakes, but I still have the self-confidence and believe that I can turn it around.”

– Buy today’s EADT for full interview. Live outside of Suffolk and North Essex? No problem – an e-edition is available at: www.eadt.co.uk/home/e-edition