Eddie Howe believes he has a ‘perfect match’ with Graeme Jones staying on as one of his assistant coaches now he is the Newcastle United manager, via quotes by Chronicle Live.
The Toon unveiled Howe as Steve Bruce’s successor on Monday, ending the Magpies’ two-and-a-half-week search for his replacement.
Jones took charge on an interim basis for Newcastle’s Premier League fixtures with Crystal Palace, Chelsea and Brighton, as Amanda Staveley and the Saudi Public Investment Fund held interviews with potential candidates. Taking draws either side of losing to the Blues.
Jones stated, via BBC Sport, ahead of his first match as interim manager that Newcastle’s Saudi-led ownership had issued ‘assurances’ over his long-term future at St James’ Park.
He now reunites with some of his former Bournemouth colleagues, like Jason Tindall and Stephen Purches, with Howe bringing a raft of former Cherries staff with him to Newcastle.
Jones joined Bournemouth to work under Tindall after Howe left the south coast side after their relegation. But now working with Jones at Newcastle delights Howe.
“Coming with me are Jason Tindall, Stephen Purches, Simon Weatherstone and Dan Hodges,” he said. “Graeme Jones is still in the mix and I’m delighted to work with Graeme.
“I think adding someone to my backroom team was something that I’d looked at and considered during my break. And it’s something that I positively wanted to do.
“So, having Graeme already here in situ and is someone I know, respect and really like, I think it’s going to be a perfect match for us.”
Is Jones and Howe a match made in heaven at Newcastle?
It remains to be seen if Jones and Howe will be a match made in heaven at Newcastle.
Tindall and Purches will have given Howe a great reference of what Jones brings to the table before joining Newcastle. But this will be their first time working together.
However, what should allow Jones and Howe to blend well at St James’ is that they share a philosophy. The Athletic have previously noted that Jones has urged Newcastle to play in a more attacking way.
Jones has also wanted Newcastle to build attacks from the back, just as Howe will now look to establish. And a shared philosophy on playing style should allow them to work together.
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