Paul Jewell was today confirmed as Bradford City's manager until the end of the season.

But plans to reveal his new number two were scuppered when the man City wanted turned down their offer.

Jewell will be looking for an early boost in tonight's match with Reading at Valley Parade.

Jewell has been caretaker manager for three games - winning one, losing one and drawing one - since the sacking of Chris Kamara three weeks ago.

His appointment was unveiled by chairman Geoffrey Richmond at a special news conference.

And Richmond promised that he would be stepping up the search for a number two of Jewell's choice.

He said: "We thought we had a top man lined up but he turned the job down at the last minute. It's dreadfully disappointing but we have a list of good candidates and we will find one who suits us shortly."

Richmond also revealed that he had decided to appoint Jewell on Saturday night because he did not want to continue putting him under unfair pressure.

He had originally told fans that Jewell would be a strong candidate if he achieved good results against Swindon last Saturday and Reading tonight, but Richmond said: "I wasn't prepared to put Paul Jewell through that again tonight.

"I am certain that everyone in the ground felt totally gutted not only because we had victory snatched from us in the 95th minute but everyone must have thought of what Paul Jewell had been through with so much at stake. I didn't want to put him through that again."

At 33, Jewell is one of the youngest managers in the game.

It is a great opportunity for him and Richmond made it clear that he could get an extended contract if he is successful over the remaining 17 matches of the Division One season.

Jewell said: "I have been at Valley Parade for ten years and I am grateful to the board for giving me the opportunity to be manager.

"It is nice to have the chance to prove myself over a decent number of games.

"I have always wanted to stay in the game in some capacity because I love football. I am only 33, but you have to start gaining experience somewhere.

"I have enjoyed every single minute of being caretaker manager. The players know where they stand with me and I have had good co-operation from them.

''This is a big club and they deserve success and I want to give the supporters what they deserve."

Jewell, who joined City from Wigan in 1988, is currently enjoying his Testimonial year.

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