PAUL Jewell knows he will never be universally loved.

But the experienced manager has vowed to fight to the “bitter end” to stop Town’s grim run of seven straight defeats – and save his job in the process.

Jewell and his under-performing players face a trial by television tonight at high-flying Barnsley when the morale-hit Blues have the glare of the Sky cameras on them (5.20pm ko).

Another loss could condemn the Blues’ big names to the bottom three and increase calls for the manager to be sacked.

And Jewell admitted: “There are people who didn’t want me even before I got the job, so I know I won’t ever get to the stage that all the people love me.

“I know it’s not easy to be an Ipswich Town supporter now – I realise that. But it is not easy being an Ipswich Town manager. I will be trying to the bitter end until someone tells me it’s not going to happen any more.”

But whether Michael Chopra starts scoring again or Danny Collins gets another unexpected goal tonight, don’t expect Jewell to start racing down the touchline in celebration.

The boss explained: “I am not one of those managers who goes around kissing the badge and waving to all four corners of the stadium. But I really do appreciate the support of the fans.

“When I stop believing that I can take the team forwards, we will have a different answer. But as tough as it is, I still believe in myself and the players.”

Jewell is expected to keep faith in the same side that lost 2-1 to Watford last Saturday with winger Lee Martin a key part in what was an improved performance.

And Martin said: “We’re the ones that go out there and it’s up to us to turn it around. At the end of the day, if we don’t perform then the manager loses his job. He’s given a lot of us a chance and we owe it to him – as well as the fans – to turn it around.”