Paul Jewell was one of the main reasons why I signed admits Danny Higginbotham

DANNY Higginbotham has backed the decision to give Paul Jewell more time.

The centre-back was one of six new players brought in by the Blues boss in the last month and though he is yet to taste victory, or indeed a clean sheet, he has impressed.

But as he prepares to play the final game of his initial one-month loan deal against former club Derby tomorrow night, the 33-year-old has every sympathy for his under-pressure manager.

Speaking before it was revealed that Jewell would be staying on for now, Higginbotham said: “I know it is very difficult for the manager. He is a very proud man and at this moment in time, he is not enjoying his football.

“We play to win and if you don’t win, you are always questioning yourself – what could you do better.

“The gaffer is like that, he takes everything in and thinks about what is happening on the pitch and how he can change things.

“I have come here and he was one of the main reasons I came here. I have nothing but total respect for the manager.

“He tries to protect the players as much as possible, but it is just an unusual set of events at the moment where everything that can go wrong on a football pitch seems to be happening.”

Higginbotham got his wish after Jewell took time to consider his future, but is now expected to remain in charge tomorrow night.

Sympathising with fans’ concerns, the centre-back, who has made five appearances, believes Town players also have to look at themselves.

He added: “At this moment in time, things are difficult for the manager.

“Some of the things that are happening on the pitch, conceding late goals and not putting chances away, is really disappointing for the lads. Every single one in that dressing room is gutted.

“With everything I have seen, I still honestly believe we can turn things around. We just need to get that one result and the sooner the better.”