Graeme Jones has scrapped midweek days off at Newcastle – and says it is ‘simple maths’ that more training gives them a better chance of breaking their winless start.

In a deviation from the schedule under former boss Steve Bruce, interim Jones has adopted a five-day preparation for Saturday’s visit of Chelsea and says players have bought into his work-ethic.

The 51-year-old has impressed the club’s new owners since taking caretaker charge and has been assured of his long-term future.

Sportsmail reported last week that a reunion with his long-time associate Roberto Martinez could well be on the cards.

We understand the Belgium boss is on the consortium’s managerial shortlist and talks with candidates are expected to gather pace next week as they hone in on an appointment.

We are told it would cost less than £2million to release Martinez from Belgium.

But Jones will carry on until informed otherwise and he has sought to stamp his mark at the training ground this week.

‘These are hard-working boys here, very professional, they have responded well to being in for five days,’ he said.

‘As long as you don’t kill people physically – the work has to be measured – then the more time you spend on the training ground it’s simple maths, you’ve got a better chance to perform. We’ve covered more areas.

‘The big difference is I’ve got these ideas and I can just implement them. The players trust me enough to pitch it correctly physically.

‘There was a need for it. Why? Because we needed to be better than we were at Crystal Palace and the Champions League winners are coming to town. The response has been brilliant from the boys.’

Newcastle are three points from safety after picking up a draw at Palace and Jones is determined to give the next boss the best possible shot at survival.

‘Our job, right here and now, is to make this football club as united as it possibly can be for the next manager – that means supporters, players and staff all pulling in the same direction with good standards,’ he said.

‘The new guy needs to walk into a healthy football club. That’s my target.

‘We have a good core here. For different reasons, we’ve started poorly. But I can assure you they care about this club.

‘I see January as an opportunity to help the group that is here. The most important thing is to get the most out of the core players we have.’