Steve Bruce addresses Graeme Jones 'conspiracy theories' at Newcastle United

Jones was appointed as Steve Bruce’s new assistant at St James’s Park late last month.

Newcastle beat Everton 2-0 following the appointment of Jones, who is the second-favourite with bookmakers to succeed Bruce in his position.

Asked if Jones was a “threat” to him at the club, Bruce said: “No. Look, it's been talked about for week now about bringing in somebody to help us when we had the problems with Steve Agnew and Stephen Clemence.

"I reiterate, he was my first choice. All these conspiracy theories, I wish I could just put them to bed.”

Jones – who was vocal alongside Bruce in the dugout at Goodison Park – watched the first 10 minutes of Tuesday night’s home game against Crystal Palace from the stand before joining the club’s head coach on the touchline.

"He wanted to have a look at the first 10-15 minutes, then he was in the dugout behind me,” said Bruce. “I don’t know what all the fuss is about. There was no problem. I got asked about that the other day. It was a bit of a surprise, I have to say.”

Bruce is the 5/2 favourite with bookies to be the next Premier League manager to leave his post.

The club is 16th in the Premier League, and Bruce’s side won just one of their last 13 matches in all competitions. Newcastle are eight points above the relegation zone.

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