Report shares Newcastle United plan for Graeme Jones beyond interim spell in charge

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Newcastle United are on the search for the club’s next manager after sacking Steve Bruce, but Graeme Jones and Ben Dawson are likely to stay at St James’ Park, per Chronicle Live.

The Magpies appointed Jones as interim head coach after Bruce left his position by mutual consent on Wednesday. United’s new Saudi-led hierarchy will pay the 60-year-old his full £8m compensation, per the Daily Mail, after they accepted his position was untenable.

Bruce brought Jones to Newcastle this January to join his backroom team amid the club’s dire run of results. He brought fresh ideas to the Toon dressing room and was crucial to an upturn in results through the 51-year-old’s work in training at Darsley Park over the year.

Jones will now take the reigns at St James’ until Newcastle appoint a permanent manager to replace Bruce. The former Luton Town boss should also remain at the club once under new leadership, and return to his backroom team role regardless of who takes the hot seat.

Newcastle to keep Dawson and Jones into post-Bruce era

Likewise, Dawson will also continue in his current role as a link-up between the first-team and academy set-ups at Newcastle. The Magpies’ Head of Academy Coaching and former Under-23s manager joined Bruce’s team in line with Jones’ arrival last winter.

Jones took his first training sessions as interim Newcastle head coach on Wednesday and Thursday as players prepare for Saturday’s visit to Crystal Palace. United could hire Bruce’s permanent replacement before the trip, but are unlikely to take charge at Selhurst Park.

The Northern Echo additionally note Jones could remain in charge for a number of games until the right candidate arrives. Newcastle host Chelsea and then visit Brighton and Hove Albion following this weekend’s Palace encounter before the next international break.

Former Roma boss Paulo Fonseca is one of the leading names in frame to replace Bruce at Newcastle. ESPN also report the Portuguese is in favour alongside Frank Lampard over Chris Wilder. Although the ex-Sheffield United manager is under consideration.