Business as usual for backroom team while boss recovers

NEWCASTLE United boss Eddie Howe is continuing his recovery from pneumonia away from the football club with Jason Tindall fully prepared to take charge until his touchline partner is "100%" ready to return to action.

- By AARON STOKES

Newcastle have been without Howe for the last three Premier League matches - home wins against Manchester United and Crystal Palace and a defeat away to Aston Villa - with Tindall and the club's backroom team taking training this week ahead of the visit of Ipswich Town this Saturday.

Upon confirming Howe's indefinite absence, the Magpies released a statement announcing Tindall would take charge of matches against Palace and Villa - and an official update is expected ahead of the weekend as to the plans for both Ipswich Town and beyond.

As it stands, Tindall will also address the media in Friday's pre-match media briefing. Speaking recently, the United No 2 admitted he was ready to act as the team's interim manager until he is told otherwise.

Day-to-day planning

Tindall admits contact with Howe has been minimal - an unusual feeling for the assistant coach, having worked with the Newcastle boss day-in, day-out for almost two decades. Tindall continues to stress his dealings with Howe will remain at a minimum as the head coach focuses on his recovery.

United have a close-knit backroom team aiding the stand-in head coach, with Graeme Jones, Stephen Purches, Simon Weatherstone, James Bunce and Dan Hodges all involved with various aspects of day-to-day preparations at the club's Benton base. Jones and Purches have been by Tindall’s side on matchdays in recent weeks.