Former Blues boss Paul Jewell has been appointed Swindon Town’s director of football, assisting manager Richie Wellens, who he brought on loan to Town late in his spell at Portman Road. Blues centre-half Luke Woolfenden is currently on loan with the Robins.
Since leaving Town in October 2012 after 21 months shortly after Wellens was signed, Jewell, 54, has had brief spells as assistant boss at West Brom and Oldham, also under Wellens.
"When Richie called me about the job he basically asked: would I help him? And I said I would in any way I can,” Jewell told the League Two club’s website.
"The job is full of pressure and I just said, if I could take some of the pressure off him with agents, watching games or in any way I can then I would.
"You’d have to ask Richie whether it’ll be a help to him, the fact that he asked me to come in it makes you feel good about yourself.
"It’s an opportunity that is coincidental because I played with the chairman [Lee Power] and have seen him from time to time after playing together at Bradford a long time ago, so hopefully, I can help, Lee, Richie and the club improve. That’s what I’m hoping to do.”
Wellens added: "I think one of the main strengths Paul can bring is the analysis in the recruitment of players. One of the most draining things you can have as a manager is working with agents, having players thrown at you all the time.
"It allows me to concentrate on the players we’ve got. I can spend more time with them on the training ground, and then speak with Paul regarding players that could come in and narrow it down to the good ones. We want to try and get them in rather than the mass quantity that get thrown at you.
"He brings his expertise but also his contacts in the game — when Paul Jewell rings you up from another club, he’s a recognisable name.
"He’s not just got an eye for a player but he’s been there and done it at every level which was a draw for me to ask him to come on board and help here at Swindon Town.
"At this stage in his life, I think it suits him that he can be involved in the game but also try and get his golf handicap down - which he wouldn't be able to do if he was on the training ground every day.
"He’s a good guy and I enjoy working with him, we only had a short time together at Oldham because of circumstances there. This time round, we can work together to bring the club forward.”
Woolfenden, 20, is on loan at the County Ground for the season, however, the spell can be cut short in January.