GRAEME JONES will hold further discussions with Newcastle United’s ownership group in the immediate aftermath of tomorrow’s home game with Chelsea – and insists he is “ready for anything” that is thrown his way.
Jones will take charge of his second game as interim boss when the reigning European champions visit St James’ Park tomorrow, and has not received any indication as to whether his temporary spell in charge will end once the final whistle blows.
He met with Amanda Staveley at the training ground yesterday, and expects to hold further discussions once tomorrow’s game is over, with Newcastle’s owners still to confirm their managerial plans for the trip to Brighton that precedes the international break.
Jones has been assured he will be retained in some capacity whatever happens, but with talks over a permanent successor to Steve Bruce still ongoing, there remains a chance that the former assistant boss could still be in charge at the Amex Stadium.
“I saw them (the owners) yesterday,” confirmed Jones. “Nothing more was said other than that my remit is the Chelsea game. There was no more than that. I’m in regular contact with them, and nothing has changed on that front.
“I’m just preparing the team. That is genuinely where we are as a football club. It would be remiss of me if I didn’t concentrate on the Chelsea game.
“I’ll have a chat with the owners after the game and see where we are. We’ll take it from there. I’m not looking past my remit, which is Chelsea at home, but I’m sure I’ll have a discussion with the owners on Saturday night or Sunday.
“They’ll let me know what the plan is going forward, and I’m ready for anything. I’m ready both ways. We’ll have to wait and see – it’s in their hands, not mine.”
