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.