Jones responds to Eddie Howe rumours & reveals who'll be in the dugout vs Brighton
Graeme Jones has confirmed that he'll take charge of tomorrow's trip to Brighton.
It had been hoped that Eddie Howe would've been appointed in time for Saturday's late kick off at The Amex, however Jones has admitted today that his appointment is "not written in stone" just yet.
Our interim boss did have some kind words to say about the 43-year-old, praising his intensity, love of the game and Premier League experience from his time at Bournemouth.
That said, Jones has announced he will be in the dugout for tomorrow night's game, having prepared the team all week.
Here's what he told the press this afternoon when asked about the Eddie Howe rumours and match itself:
"I’m taking it [the Brighton game].
"I’ve prepared the team all week.
"I've not lost focus. Team are well-prepared. We're looking forward to it."
"Obviously, the owners have communicated with me, so I know where we are with things.
"Eddie has a wealth of experience, he's managed 550 games, 200 in the Premier League, but it is not written in stone.
"Nothing has been said by the football club, so we'll 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"
"I know the owners have done their due diligence.
"That's why it's taken a bit of time...the more information you receive, the longer you take, the closer you're going to get to making the right decision."
Jones then commented on Howe's former staff at Bournemouth, with Jason Tindall, Stephen Purches and Simon Weatherstone expected to join him on Tyneside if and when the appointment is announced:
"If it is Eddie, I have crossed paths with him on many occasions.
"I know their method of work - I worked as one of Jason Tindall's assistants in Bournemouth for five months.
"I got an inside view of what their method of work was and it's impressive.
"It's elite...I felt like I learnt when I was down there.
"But, at this moment in time, it's all speculation."
