Exactly Howe you should go about it!

JONES ON ‘ELITE’ EDDIE AS NEXT TOON BOSS

EDDIE HOWE has been branded “an elite, impressive, innovative” coach who likes attacking football by Newcastle caretaker boss Graeme Jones.

Newcastle are finalising a deal to appoint Howe on a two-and-a half-year contract and Jones says they are getting an “intense” boss who lives for the job.

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

Jones, who spent time working at Bournemouth with Tindall after Howe left, said: “I worked with them down at Bournemouth. Eddie has managed 550 games, 200 in the Premier League and he is 43. He has a wealth of experience and 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.”

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 he is more than capable.”

Newcastle are six points adrift of safety after failing to win 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 10 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.”

On his own future, Jones said: “I’m not here to put cones out. I am prepared to get my hands dirty. We will wait and see.”

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. They will want to do it for the club and their own standards. It wouldn’t harm the situation.”