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'If it is Eddie Howe', Jones would be happy to work with latest interviewee but issues Newcastle warning

Newcastle United interim coach Graeme Jones has been handed a third game in charge

Graeme Jones and Eddie Howe
Graeme Jones and Eddie Howe(Image: Getty Images)

Graeme Jones was quizzed over the possibility of Eddie Howe arriving as head coach ahead of the club's trip to Brighton.

Howe has been interviewed by Amanda Staveley this week just days after Unai Emery turned the job down.


The former AFC Bournemouth chief is keen on the job but wants to bring his own back-room staff to Tyneside.


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Firstly, Jones was asked if he minded the uncertain nature of exactly how long he is going to be looking after first-team affairs.

Jones said: "How long is a piece of string? I am sure the owners are doing their due diligence and recruitment in the background.

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"It is never a straightforward process. You have to be adaptable in this game. And I am.

"It's gone from two games to three, we have to get on with it and make the best of it.

"The boys have been excellent but the proof will be in the pudding at Brighton."


Inevitably the Howe questions then came thick and fast and Jones did not need a reminder of the calibre of candidate in the 43-year-old.

Jones added: "Has he been mentioned? Look me and Roberto Martinez clashed with Eddie and Jason Tindall all through the years.

"I worked with Jason and Steve Purches and Simon Weatherstone down at Bournemouth.


"I know their method of work and know who they are.

"Remember we are talking about if, speculation. Eddie has managed 550 games, 200 in the Premier League. He is 43 years old and has a wealth of experience.

"It's not written in stone and nothing said or confirmed by the football club, we have to wait and see.


"If it is Eddie, I know he lives for the game and it’s his whole life. If you think you can come to Newcastle and do it part-time, you’re mistaken.

"It requires every ounce you’ve got. He’s intense and has exceptional Premier League experience."

Newcastle move into a crucial period of the campaign with just Paul Dummett in the treatment room and a decision needing to be made on who starts in goal at the Amex Stadium.


Jones said: "Myself, and whoever the new manager is, are going to be in a great position because we have everybody fit at the minute apart from Paul.

"Touch wood it stays like that.

"I will assess things in training and see what is in the best interests in the club."


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When asked about his dialogue with the owners, Jones said: "They just kept me up to speed in telling me where we are in terms of what my role is and making that clear.

"There's nothing more important than what is going on at this football club.

"The rest is speculation and that's where we are.


"Until something is written in stone we are going to carry on with the here and now.

"I haven't got social media so I don't go searching for things.


"It's been busy if I am honest. Why? Because we want to improve our players. Why? Because Brighton have a lot of tactical flexibility.

"So if I had lived in my head I would have been wasting time so I have gone with definites and that's where we are."

For now, Jones is left to get on with interim brief in the Newcastle dressing room.


United need that first win and Brighton will provide some stiff opposition.

Jones said: "I have had to manage it because interim period means uncertainty.

"I have tried to settle the boys down with the here and now. The boys have responded.

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"We're dealing in facts and not possibilities. The communication between the owners to me and me to the boys has been good and the boys responded with that information."

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READ MORE: 'Not written in stone' Graeme Jones told he's in charge for Newcastle United's clash at BrightonREAD MORE: Eddie Howe hoping to be named Newcastle United manager
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