Newcastle United have reportedly made a firm decision to keep Graeme Jones at St. James’ Park, effectively shutting down any chance of a reunion between the coach and former Magpies striker Alexander Isak.
Recent reports suggested that Jones could be approached by new Sweden manager Graham Potter to join his backroom staff as he begins his challenging mission of reviving Sweden’s World Cup qualifying hopes. However, Newcastle have made their stance clear they want Jones’ focus solely on Tyneside.
Graham Potter, who recently succeeded former Newcastle forward Jon Dahl Tomasson as Sweden’s head coach, is facing a difficult task in turning around the national team’s fortunes.
It was understood that he saw Jones as a valuable asset due to his coaching experience and familiarity with Isak, who flourished during his time under Newcastle’s coaching setup.
Potter, having worked with various tactical systems, believed Jones could bring technical insight and attacking balance to his new project.
Jones’ coaching pedigree at both club and international level is well known. Before joining Newcastle, he spent time working with the Belgian national team and later assisted with England duties while still serving under Eddie Howe.
His ability to nurture attacking talent and his tactical understanding have made him one of the most respected figures within Newcastle’s backroom team.
That said, Newcastle are determined to keep their structure stable and are not willing to risk any distractions as the club continues to push for domestic and European success.
According to Craig Hope’s Newcastle Confidential column, the Magpies’ hierarchy has made it clear that they want Jones fully focused on his responsibilities at the club.
The decision means any talk of him joining Potter’s Sweden setup and reuniting with Alexander Isak has been firmly closed. While this may come as a blow to the Swedish national team, it’s a significant boost for Newcastle.
Isak had previously benefited from Jones’ coaching expertise, with the pair building a strong relationship during the striker’s time on Tyneside.
However, Newcastle’s decision ensures Jones can continue his dedicated work at home, particularly his recent focus on developing young attacking players.
One name that stands out is Will Osula, the Danish Under-21 international who has started the season brightly with three goals and an assist. Jones’ guidance has been instrumental in Osula’s progress, helping him sharpen his movement and finishing a clear sign that Newcastle’s investment in retaining their top coaches is paying off.
For Newcastle supporters, this decision reflects a wider commitment from the club’s leadership to maintain consistency and control. With the team competing in multiple competitions, they can’t afford key members of the coaching staff to divide their attention.
Jones’ continued presence at St. James’ Park helps maintain stability within Eddie Howe’s setup, ensuring that every player, from senior stars to rising prospects, receives consistent support and tactical direction.
While the idea of Jones reuniting with Isak under Potter’s Sweden project might have sounded appealing on paper, it’s understandable why Newcastle would refuse.
After all, Isak’s development under Jones has already been completed in many ways, and the Magpies are now reaping the rewards of that groundwork through their other forwards.
There’s also a touch of satisfaction among the Toon faithful knowing their coach won’t be helping rejuvenate a player who chose to move on.
In the end, this is another smart and well-calculated move by Newcastle’s board. Keeping Graeme Jones focused solely on club duties not only benefits their current attacking setup but also secures continuity behind the scenes.
With the club’s ambitions growing every season, the decision ensures that the Magpies remain on course, led by a coaching team that’s entirely committed to their ongoing project.
