Jones drops ‘new manager’ hint, confirms talks with new owners & 2 players out of Chelsea game

Graeme Jones has revealed that he held talks with the new owners at Newcastle United this week and expects to know more about their ‘new manager’ search after tomorrow’s game at St James’ Park.

He stated that they simply discussed the upcoming clash with Chelsea in their last meeting, but will hold talks with them after the game to discuss plans moving forward – saying he is ‘ready for everything’ and keen to put the squad ‘united’ and in a ‘healthy’ position for when the ‘new manager’ arrives.

Jones has confirmed that Martin Dubravka is fit and available for the first time this season, naming Paul Dummett and Elliot Anderson as the only two players set to miss tomorrow’s game.

The Gateshead-born coach also discussed the five-day training plan he’s implemented this week – an interesting move given the number of days off Steve Bruce had handed out previously!

Here’s what our interim manager has had to say when speaking to the press today, revealing what was discussed in his most recent chat with the new owners:

“Nothing more than my remit is the Chelsea game and no more than that.

“I’m in regular contact with them. Nothing has changed on that front. I’m just preparing the team.

“They will let me know what the plan is going forward,”

“I’m ready for everything – it’s in their hands.

“My job is to make this club as United as they can be for the new manager.

“The new guy needs to walk into a healthy club.

I’m not looking past my remit which is Chelsea.

I’m sure I’ll have a chat with the owners on Saturday night or Sunday and they’ll let me know what the plan is.”

Jones then had this to say on the injury front, with Dubravka fit again after training for 12 days:

“No Paul Dummett or Elliot Anderson.

Apart from that, it’s a fully fit squad.

Dubravka’s had a good week’s training. It’s an important period for him after three or four months out.

He’s had a sustained period of maybe 12 days of work.”

He also had this to say when asked about the five-day training plan he’s put in place this week – scrapping the days off previously given to the NUFC squad under Steve Bruce:

“The more time on the training ground, it’s simple maths, you have a better chance of performing.”

“My only thoughts have been Palace and Chelsea.

“We’ve got the league leaders coming – if I was thinking of focusing on anything else, I’d be a fool.”

“We’re a point better off than what we were last week and we’ll see where we are after tomorrow.

The new manager needs to walk into a really healthy club with everyone pulling in the same direction.

That’s my target.”

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

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