Bruce insists his Newcastle role is not threatened by Jones' arrival

Steve Bruce insists speculation his position as Newcastle manager is threatened by Graeme Jones’ arrival is ‘a conspiracy’ after his new No 2’s instant impact at St James’ Park

• Steve Bruce insists his position at Newcastle is not threatened by Graeme Jones
• Jones was installed as assistant boss before last weekend’s 2-0 win at Everton 
• A new diamond system helped end a six-game losing run and won Jones plaudits
• He was in the stands early on against Palace and Bruce says there’s no problems

Steve Bruce insists he is not threatened by the arrival of Graeme Jones and has hit back at the ‘conspiracies’ suggesting the new coach could take his job as Newcastle United manager.

Jones was installed as assistant boss before last weekend’s 2-0 victory at Everton and immediately won acclaim from supporters after a new diamond formation helped end a six-game losing run.

The former Belgium No 2 started Tuesday’s 2-1 home defeat by Crystal Palace in the stands, rather than on the touchline, but Bruce says there is no issue between them.

Steve Bruce insists his position at Newcastle is not threatened by the arrival of Graeme Jones

‘He wanted to have a look at the first 10, 15 minutes up a height. Then he was in the dugout behind me, like he was at Everton. I don’t know what all the fuss is about,’ said Bruce.

‘There is no problem. I got asked about that (being in the stands) the other day, and it was a bit of a surprise.’

Jones quit his role as first-team coach at Bournemouth to return to his hometown club. But an in-house unveiling interview in which he spoke more like a manager than an assistant has led to speculation over the club’s plans for him.

Asked if he felt Jones was a threat to his job, Bruce said: ‘No. I’ve had this conversation thrown at me. It was talked about weeks ago about bringing in someone to help us.

‘Graeme was my first choice. I reiterate, my first choice. So all these conspiracy theories, I wish I could put them to bed.’

Meanwhile, Bruce has warned the Longstaff brothers they have to play better to win a place in the team.

Bruce also demanded more from the Longstaff brothers if they are to win a place in the team

Sean has been missing from the last four matchday squads despite being fit, while Matty has been an unused substitute in that same period.

Bruce said: ‘The Longstaff brothers, it’s the same as the other midfielders, there is competition for places. At the end of the day, we have had too many disappointing performances as a team that have led to changes.

‘It’s quite simple for me, play well and the team picks itself. They have to roll up their sleeves and be prepared for competition for places.

‘Unfortunately, Sean has gone up and down too quickly. He has played well one week and not so well the next. He has to find that consistency. He is only a young lad. It happened (breaking through) for him very, very quickly.

‘He has to get on with it and deal with the situation he is in and work to get back in the team.’

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