Steve Howey has told Sky Sports News (20/10, 11:39) he believes Newcastle United’s new owners were right to appoint Graeme Jones as interim head coach after firing Steve Bruce.
The Magpies announced on Wednesday that Bruce had left his position by mutual consent after 27-months in charge. Newcastle sit 19th in the Premier League table as one of three sides yet to win a fixture this term. They have also conceded more goals (19) than any side.
Bruce’s position as Newcastle’s manager came under increasing threat as Mike Ashley sold the club to a Saudi-led consortium. Sky Sports reported ahead of the takeover by the Public Investment Fund, Amanda Staveley and the Reuben brothers that they would fire Bruce.
Newcastle have now moved on from Bruce with assistant coach Jones given he reigns until a permanent manager is hired. Talks took place with Paulo Fonseca last week, per the Daily Mail. While the Daily Star claim Eddie Howe is interested in taking charge at St James’ Park.
Howey backs Newcastle hiring Jones to replace Bruce on interim basis
Howey, who played for Newcastle between 1989 and 1999, believes the consortium were right to hire Jones as caretaker boss to move on from Bruce while seeking his replacement.
“I think [it was the right call],” Howey said. “The fans have been reasonably impressed with Graeme since he come in. You do see him being a lot more prominent on the touchline, on the training ground. Obviously, again, he’s a Newcastle lad, he’s a Newcastle supporter.
“The new owners have obviously sounded people out [on replacing Bruce] before making this decision. That’s possibly why they haven’t made the decision straight away. I think that would have been a bit rash to come in [and fire Bruce], even though Newcastle fans were a little bit impatient that the decision wasn’t made earlier.
“But I think Graeme has got the respect of the players in the dressing room and it will be interesting to see how they react against Crystal Palace. But ultimately, fans will be waiting with bated breath for who it is that will take over [permanently].”
What will Jones offer Newcastle until permanent manager is hired?
Interim Newcastle manager Jones has previous experience from his time in charge at Luton as he prepares to replace Bruce. The 51-year-old also worked as an assistant for the Belgian national side, West Brom and Bournemouth, and worked with England this summer.
Jones joined Newcastle as Bruce’s assistant in January and The Athletic note he instantly offered fresh ideas at Darsley Park. Figures inside and outside of United also recognise the positive lift his arrival last winter delivered during a relegation fight.
Additionally, Jones has been crucial to Newcastle’s development throughout 2021 through his work overseeing training. He was also pivotal to the introduction of a 4-3-1-2 formation that helped stave off relegation under Bruce last season. While having the players’ respect should help Jones replace Bruce, who the Daily Mail claim had lost the dressing room.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
