Ex-Clyde and Hamilton Accies ace Graeme Jones will take interim charge of Newcastle United in their next two Premier League matches against Crystal Palace and Chelsea - and he's motivated to succeed.
Jones has picked up the role after Newcastle sacked Steve Bruce as boss earlier this week. It comes following The Saudi Arabia Investment Fund's takeover of the Magpies.
A boyhood Newcastle fan, Jones had a short spell at New Douglas Park in 2005-06, before injury ended his playing career and he started his coaching journey as assistant to Billy Reid.
He had previously spent a season at Clyde in 2005, where Reid had signed the forward.
Jones was part of Gareth Southgate's coaching team as England reached the final of Euro 2020 this summer. He's also got coaching experience with Roberto Martinez at Swansea, Wigan, Everton and the Belgian national team.
"I spoke to the owners on Wednesday morning and they have asked me to take the team on an interim basis for the next two games, so Crystal Palace and Chelsea at home," Jones told Sky Sports.
"As I've said previously, I am fully focussed on preparing the team the best we can to be competitive in those two games.
"Initially my feeling was one of upset because I had a great working relationship with Steve, he is a good man. You never want to be in and around that in football because it means it has not worked.
"On Wednesday, it was difficult. But we all know the speed of football and how quickly it needs to move on because if you miss a day or you miss a training session you are not as prepared as you could be.
"The focus quickly changed on Thursday and Friday in terms of positivity and getting the boys ready tactically for the game.
"I am motivated more than anywhere I've been. I know the culture of this club and I'm focused on doing the best I can."
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