Newcastle make managerial decision for rest of October's Premier League matches

Graeme Jones will take charge of Newcastle for the next TWO games - as the Saudi funded consortium take their time appointing a new head coach.

The United caretaker boss says he will take the winless first team for Saturday's clash with Crystal Palace, and against Chelsea next weekend.

Jones has been assured by director Amanda Staveley that he will KEEP his position on the staff when a new chief is appointed with his mate Roberto Martinez, the Belgium boss, in the running along with Paulo Fonseca.

Jones said: "I spoke to the owners on Wednesday morning and I have been asked to take it on an interim basis, for two games, Palace and Chelsea at home. I will prepare for that.

"My ambition is to do my best for my football club. I came here as a four year old watching Supermac, I was a fan in the Gallowgate end watching the Keegan era. I know the culture of the club."

Graeme Jones will take the reins at Newcastle for two matches

Asked what sort of boss Newcastle needs, Jones added: "Think about the area and how I was brought up: hard work, honesty and fight for every situation. That represents the North East and the Geordies. That is a great starting place for a new manager."

Jones has worked with Martinez at Everton, Swansea and Wigan as well as Belgium at the World Cup.

He said of his close footballing mate: "Me and Rob started together. We have the same view on the game.

"I know how he will be thinking. He will be doing everything for Belguim and I am doing the same for Newcastle. It is names, speculation. The only fact I know is I am interim charge.:

Portuguese coach Fonseca is bookies favourite after talks this week, but Frank Lampard, Eddie Howe and others are still in the frame.

There is a debate over the length of contract a new boss should be given.

Jones gave an assured start to his caretaker spell and confirmed: "I have had assurances. I have spoken to Amanda about my long term future. My short term is about what I can effect, which is tomorrow and next Saturday. I will give my genuine honest best half to move the club forward in whatever role I am give.

"I believe in high standards and I know what elite looks like. That is the direction of the club. We have to work hard as a football club at every level.

"I am very happy working as an assistant. I don't know if I will as an interim manager, because we have not had a game yet. I will make sure standards are high.

Jones was Roberto Martinez's assistant with Belgium ( Image:

REUTERS)

"The level of responsibility has gone up. I pick the team now and speak to the players and that is what has changed."

Asked about the club's relaunch after the £305m takeover by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, Jones said: "It gives you a chance. If you are going to win leagues, FA Cups, you need the best players.

"Only money buys that. There is huge scope for the club. In the Keegan era there was hope that he transmitted to everyone in the area. Hope is back which is a great thing and the long term future of the club looks rosy."

He said the staff were "upset" when Steve Bruce departed on Wednesday.

"The mood was one of upset. I had a great working relationship with Steve. A good man. You never want to be in and around that in football it means it hasn't worked. Wednesday was difficult, that's the truth.

"But the speed of football it moves on. The focus changed Thursday Friday to positivity and getting the boys ready for the game.

"Our relationship was excellent in every aspect, personally and professionally."