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Chris Watson

Newcastle United fans make the same point about Graeme Jones at Everton

Newcastle United fans noticed new assistant head coach Graeme Jones making his presence felt during Saturday's Premier League clash with Everton.

Jones was appointed to Steve Bruce's backroom staff ahead of the trip to Goodison Park.

Newcastle were looking for a change of fortunes after a poor run of 11 matches without a win in all competitions, and six straight defeats.

That has piled the pressure on Bruce, though the Magpies did produce an improved performance in at Everton before going on to win 2-0.

Jones was prominent on the touchline during his first match, barking out instructions to the team alongside Bruce.

Gateshead-born Jones says he intends to offer a "neutral opinion" following his arrival on Tyneside to join his boyhood club.

"My official job title is assistant head coach, working alongside Steve Agnew, Stephen Clemence and, obviously, supporting the manager, Steve Bruce," the 50-year-old told NUFC TV. "I'm here to offer a neutral opinion.

"I worked with Roberto (Martinez) for 12 years - first at Swansea and then we had seven years in the Premier League with Wigan and Everton and then with Belgium - so I've seen lots of different styles, lots of different approaches.

"I think the big thing for me is always to control games with the ball and you can control games without the ball as well. There needs to be that balance.

"I certainly learnt that as Luton manager where, in the early days, I tried to attack everyone and realised that if you haven't got the best players in the league, you have to be a little bit pragmatic.

"I'm hoping to use all those experiences to try and get a style of play that benefits Newcastle United in ultimately getting the best players at the football club out on the pitch."

After the opening period at Everton, Newcastle supporters took to social media to give their thoughts on the new addition.

"Looks like Jones has had a bigger impact than I was expecting," said one fan on Twitter.

Another tweeted: "Got to give Jones some credit to come in and get those players playing like that."

Meanwhile, a third supporters said: "Loving Jones’ passion."

Newcastle took the lead against Everton after 72 minutes, courtesy of a Callum Wilson header and the striker sealed the points with a second late on.

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