Chris Waugh has been speaking on a recent edition of David Ornstein’s ‘Ask Ornstein’ show on YouTube about all things Newcastle United.
One of the topics that The Athletic reporter spent a bit of time on was Graeme Jones’ arrival.
The former Luton Town boss was brought in as an assistant manager to help Steve Bruce in January this year.
His arrival has seen an upturn in results, with the Toon having won two, drawn two, and lost three of the games that they have had since Jones arrived at the club.
However, according to one source, Waugh revealed that Jones might have been brought in to prevent the Toon from having to sack Steve Bruce.
He said: “The Graeme Jones situation is strange, and again, it’s almost like the left-field nature of Mike Ashley.
“One source I spoke to suggests that this may be Newcastle’s change – rather than a change of manager, the change was to bring in an assistant manager and almost bring in the assistant manager bounce.
“There has been a lot of confusion and speculation as to who basically brought about that appointment.
“Steve Bruce did want another member to his backroom staff.
“He is adamant that he was the one behind that; I think other people at the club would argue that was the case.”
Do you think the appointment of Jones is enough for Newcastle to avoid relegation?
No, Bruce needs to be replaced
Yes, that should do
TIF Thoughts on Jones…
There is no question that Newcastle have been better since Jones has arrived but will it be enough to save them from relegation?
Newcastle currently sit in 16th place, just one point above the drop zone, and even with Jones, they have still only won two of their last 16 league games, which spells danger.
However, if Waugh is to be believed, it looks like the Toon have made their play, and Jones is the man that they think can do enough to keep them up without sacking Bruce, who seems to be safe at the moment.
We are not sure that it will be enough, but we hope that it is.