Newcastle interim manager Graeme Jones takes charge of first training session after Steve Bruce’s sacking

NEWCASTLE stars were put through their paces in training today by interim boss Graeme Jones.

The former Luton Town manager is in the hotseat after the club’s new Saudi owners sacked Steve Bruce.

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Graeme Jones took control of Newcastle’s training session[/caption]

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Some Newcastle players may get a second chance now with Steve Bruce gone[/caption]

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Sean Longstaff decided to have a bit of fun during the session[/caption]

After taking charge of his 1,000th game in management against Tottenham at the weekend, a 3-2 defeat sealed his fate.

And Jones, who Bruce brought to the club as his assistant in January, is the man tasked with trying to turn the club’s fortunes around.

He was in charge of today’s training session – but he could soon be welcoming a new gaffer to St James’ Park.

Paulo Fonseca is odds-on favourite for the Newcastle job after the departure of Bruce, according to Sky Bet.

Bruce, who guided the club to 13th and 12th-place finishes in the Premier League, thanked the club in his parting message.

He said: “I am grateful to everyone connected with Newcastle United for the opportunity to manage this unique football club.

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The mood seemed positive at Newcastle’s training session – pictured here is Isaac Hayden[/caption]

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Jonjo Shelvey was sent off in what proved to be Bruce’s final game as Newcastle boss[/caption]

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“I would like to thank my coaching team, the players and the support staff in particular for all their hard work. There have been highs and lows, but they have given everything even in difficult moments and should be proud of their efforts.

“This is a club with incredible support, and I hope the new owners can take it forward to where we all want it to be. I wish everyone the very best of luck for the rest of this season and beyond.”

Newcastle confirmed that the ‘process of recruiting a new head coach is under way’.

And Sky Bet believe Fonseca is the frontrunner.

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Jones might not have a lot of time to persuade the Newcastle owners that he can succeed in the job full-time[/caption]

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Jacob Murphy takes some time out for reflection during training[/caption]

It’s thought the Toon are prioritising out of work candidates to avoid conflicts with rivals clubs.

Fonseca, who guided Shakhtar Donetsk to three domestic doubles in his three seasons as manager, is still available having left Roma in May.

He was close to taking the Tottenham job over the summer but changed his mind late on after director Fabio Paratici altered the vision chairman Daniel Levy had set out for him.

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Newcastle’s players will have to up their game if they are to prove they have what it takes at St James’ Park[/caption]