Newcastle caretaker gives details of Eddie Howe's plan to revolutionise club

Eddie Howe has been branded "an elite, innovative and impressive" boss who loves attacking football - by Newcastle United caretaker boss Graeme Jones.

The Geordies are finalising a deal to appoint Howe on a two-and-a-half-year contract and Jones has insisted that if he gets the job Newcastle are getting an "intense" boss who lives for the job.

Jones is expected to join Howe's backroom staff with new coaches Stephen Perches, Jason Tindall and Simon Weatherstone, but no specific position has been discussed yet.

The club have yet to confirm the arrival of Howe, but asked about his credentials, Jones, who spent time working at Bournemouth with Tindall, gave a glowing tribute.

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - JANUARY 04: Graeme Jones, Manager of Luton Town embraces Eddie Howe, Manager of AFC Bournemouth prior to the FA Cup Third Round match between AFC Bournemouth and Luton Town at Vitality Stadium on January 04, 2020 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) ( Image:

Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

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Jones said: "Eddie Howe? Has he been mentioned!? Me and Roberto clashed with Eddie and Jason Tindall and their team many times.

"I worked with them down at Bournemouth. I know their method of work Eddie has managed 550 games, 200 in the Premier League and he is 43. He knows the league.

"When I worked for Jason at Bournemouth I got an inside view of their method. It is impressive and it is elite. If the speculation was correct we will transfer into that method. I felt I learned when I was down there."

Asked to sum up Howe's style Jones said: "High tempo. Attacking football, with momentum. Very pragmatic. They would pay attention to the off the ball aspect and only being as good as how you defend.

"Sessions were innovative, different, stimulating and detailed. That was Jason Tindall and his staff. I have a good idea what they stand for. If they do come in I know it was elite work."

"One thing I know about him is he lives for the game. He is intense and as exeptional Premier League experience. He is more than capable."

Newcastle are six points adrift of safety after failing to win any of their games this season.

The trip to Brighton could see Howe watching from the stands. He will have three winnable home games before the fixture list in December gets much tougher.

Jones has been at Newcastle ten months, and was today asked to identify the first tasks for Howe.

Jones said: "I came in January and had an open mind and a neutral opinion. I wanted to assess the group in terms of actions. The new guy will have the same attitude.

"I'd like to think he will have a structure and style of play in mind in terms of his research into the players. I can't speak for the new guy, but that would be a way forward."

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On his own future, Jones said: "I am not here to put cones out. I am prepared to get my hands dirty. We will have to wait and see. No one can speak about a specific role yet because no appointment has been made."

Jones also believes having Howe in the stands at the Amex Stadium, could lift the Toon. He added: "Yes they would want to impress the new man. That is human nature. They will want to do it for the club and their own standards. It wouldn't harm the situation."