Jewell after the win at Sheff Utd guaranteed Wigan's status in the top-flight

Jewell's exit comes after the drama of beating Sheffield United 2-1 on Sunday to ensure Wigan's top-flight status.

Jewell, 42, joined Wigan in June 2001 from Sheffield Wednesday.

He told the club's website: "I have made this decision with a heavy heart but I feel it is time for me to have a break from football."

News conference: Wigan chairman Dave Whelan

Manchester City terminated the contract of manager Stuart Pearce just hours after Jewell's departure.

Jewell had been linked with the City post but did not comment on a future return to the game and instead seems to be planning time out of the sport to recharge his batteries.

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan also insisted Jewell had assured him he did not have another job lined up.

Whelan said: "If Manchester City were to go for Paul Jewell, I would be very surprised.

"I would say, 'don't waste your time' because Paul is a man of his word.

"I asked him a straightforward question: 'Have you been tapped up by another club?'

"And his answer was: 'On my children's lives I have not been approached by another club, and I will not be going to another club. I love it at Wigan and I am sorry to be resigning. But for my health I have got to do it'.

"I could feel it, I could see it coming since Christmas. I have seen Paul's health deteriorate, and he needs a break."

Jewell added: "I have given everything I have as a person to bringing success here over the past six years.

"It is not an easy thing to walk away from somewhere and something which has been such a part of your life for so long.

I have to respect his decision because what Paul has done for this club is extraordinary Wigan chairman Dave Whelan

"The intensity of football at the highest level, although completely addictive, is also draining.

"I feel I would be kidding the chairman, my players and the supporters if I was to carry on without being able to put in the energy and dedication I know is required to be successful at this level."

Jewell guided The Latics to the League One title in 2002-03 and in 2004-05 they finished runners-up to Sunderland in the Championship to reach the top flight for the first time in their history.

Under Jewell, Wigan surprised many pundits by surviving comfortably in their first season, finishing 10th and also reaching the Carling Cup final.

Previously, Jewell had taken Bradford into the Premiership where he masterminded a similar last-day survival for the Bantams in 2000.

Jewell (right) celebrates with chairman Whelan after the win at Sheff Utd

Jewell, who will be replaced by Chris Hutchings, also went on to pay tribute to the support given to him by Whelan in his time at the club.

Whelan offered Jewell a job for life at the JJB Stadium outfit last year but also said he would not stand in his manager's way if he had an offer from a bigger club.

Whelan revealed that Jewell's health and personal life had deteriorated in the last couple of months during the relegation battle.

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And he added: "It was with great reluctance that I accepted Paul's resignation.

"It was his decision to leave. I believe Paul was the right man to carry this club forward.

"But he has decided that he has taken the club as far as he can and leave it for someone else to take over.

"I have to respect his decision because what Paul has done for this club is extraordinary."