Eddie Howe has been described as elite, innovative, impressive and intense by the man due to become one of his key coaching lieutenants at Newcastle United.
With Howe expected to be named as the new manager within the next 24 hours, Graeme Jones is in line to take caretaker charge of the team for the third and final time at Brighton on Saturday evening.
Newcastle’s Saudi Arabian-led owners hope that Howe, formerly in charge of Bournemouth, will be in the stands at the Amex Stadium but, whatever happens, Jones has been told he will be patrolling the technical area as the Premier League’s 19th-placed side aim to secure their first win.
Newcastle’s interim manager worked at Bournemouth under Howe’s successor, Jason Tindall, for a few months before becoming Steve Bruce’s assistant at Newcastle in January. Now Tindall is expected to join Howe on Tyneside along with two more of Howe’s former backroom coaches, Stephen Purches and Simon Weatherstone.
“I know their method of work,” said Jones, who has been told he will retain his job. “It is high-tempo attacking football with momentum. Their sessions were innovative, stimulating and detailed. That was under Jason, Stephen and Simon – but I would imagine that work came together under Eddie Howe.
“So, if they do come in here, I have a good idea of what they stand for. I know the work they did at Bournemouth was elite work. It’s impressive and it is elite. I got an inside view of their method when I worked for Jason and I felt I learned when I was down there. If the speculation is correct we will transfer into that method.
“They are also very pragmatic and pay attention to the off-the-ball aspect because you are only as good as how you defend.”
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Jones has no doubts Howe is capable of succeeding in a role some St James’ Park predecessors came to regard as a poisoned chalice. “Eddie Howe has managed 550 games, 200 in the Premier League,” he said. “He is 43 years old and has a wealth of experience.
“If it is Eddie, I know he lives for the game and it’s his whole life. If you think you can come to Newcastle and do it part-time you’re mistaken. It requires every ounce you’ve got. But Eddie’s intense and has exceptional Premier League experience. He’s more than capable.”
Jones expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of Howe watching from the stands at Brighton. “It could give the players a lift,” he said. “They would want to impress the new man; that’s human nature. I don’t think it could harm the situation.”