Graeme Jones was appointed new coach of Newcastle United today – and vowed to be a “neutral” voice on Steve Bruce's staff.
Gateshead-born Jones was poached from Bournemouth for £250k compensation and insisted he can help find a system to get the beleaguered side out of relegation trouble.
Newcastle says Bruce has approved the new arrival who coached alongside Roberto Martinez at Swansea, Wigan, Everton and Belgium, racking up 256 consecutive Premier League games, an FA Cup win, a fifth place finish and a European campaign.
Jones left Tyneside 35 years ago to be an apprentice at Millwall, and returns to aid Bruce and his long serving side kicks Steve Agnew and Steven Clemence.
He said: “You have to be sensitive that the boys have worked together for a long time. I am coming in to offer a different opinion. The longer I stay neutral the better.
“I will always tell the truth. You have to do that in the right manner. It is up to Steve whether he uses that advice, or any of it, going forward.
“My job title is assistant head coach supporting the manager. I am here to offer a neutral opinion. I worked with Roberto for 12 years, Swansea, Wigan, Everton and Belgium.
“I have seen lots of styles and approaches. The big thing for me is controlling games with the ball. You can control them without the ball. There needs to be that balance.
“Once I spoke to Steve I got a good feeling for him. He was honest and open. I am looking forward to working with the Newcastle players. I am aware of what is going on with the team and the club.”
It is usual for an experienced coach like Bruce to bring in outside help.
Jones has experience and a strong bond with the club explaining: “It is surreal if I am honest. The club I supported as a boy. I left here 35 years ago for an apprenticeship at Millwall. Then I find myself back home.
“I came here aged five, watching Supermac in the paddock with my late father Ray.
“I stood outside the Gallowgate with thousands ready to watch Kevin Keegan's debut. I had a season ticket the following season. It is in my family.
"I know the frustration the club has had not winning anything. I am looking forward to trying to help.”
Jones says of his coaching journey: “From non-league to a World Cup bronze medal. My grounding has allowed me to always remain true to myself.I’ve been fortunate to have coached some big stars, to have worked alongside a top manager, but I’ve never let the experiences affect me.
"I wouldn’t have got this far without having to fight my way through the leagues. At the age of 18, I was released by Millwall."
"It turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me.
“I found work as an insulation engineer, putting insulation on pipes while grafting in non-league football. That grounding taught me the power of being real. It allowed me to evaluate myself and what I wanted in life. What I wanted was to coach.
"So when I saw an advert for a Newcastle United football in the community role, I went for it and was given the job.
“I was on the lowest rung of coaching. It wasn’t glamorous; putting out cones and coaching young kids in and around the suburbs of Newcastle. But once I got a taste of it, I definitely had the coaching bug.”
It took him to a World Cup, and now back to revive Newcastle United.
