BOSS Jason Tindall admitted it would be “difficult” to lose Graeme Jones from his backroom staff as the experienced coach looks set for a dream move to Newcastle United.

The Daily Echo understands Jones, 50, had been given permission to speak with the Magpies about becoming a member of Steve Bruce’s coaching setup.

Bruce himself in a press conference on Monday morning said the former Luton boss could make the switch to Tyneside within the next 24 hours.

Jones had been appointed by Cherries as a first-team coach back in August, to work alongside Tindall and assistant Stephen Purches.

Speaking about the expected departure of the coach, nicknamed Bonner, Tindall told the Daily Echo: “It’s a difficult one. Graeme Jones is a black and white – he always has been.

“It would have been very, very difficult to prise Graeme Jones away from this football club because he was extremely happy here – settled into the area and loved the environment.

“There’s not many places that could have persuaded him to think about leaving.

“But I knew off the conversation I had with Bonner many times, in terms of I knew he was a black and white. I know how much Newcastle means to him.

“I knew how much it meant to his dad and his family. He’s got family up there.

“It’s been a difficult time for him and it was a really tough decision but he wanted to pursue it a little bit further. In the end, we just have to wait and see what happens in the next 24 hours.

“I think when an opportunity comes around that is almost a dream come true, to work in your boyhood club, it then becomes very difficult for myself.”

At the time of writing, the switch is yet to be completed, however Tindall believes Jones would impress back up in the north east.

“I’m sure he will be a good addition to Steve Bruce’s backroom staff,” added the Cherries manager.

“I think he settled in extremely well during his time here. He is well-liked by staff and players and the experience he brought has been of a great help to myself, the rest of the coaching team and to the players.

“His input with defending set-plays and the wealth of knowledge he brings to the table has been great.

“You never want to see a good member of your staff leave but then you face times like this where it’s very difficult to stand in peoples’ way.

“That’s what this is. It will be a shame to lose Bonner but it’s one of those things we can’t really do anything about and we just have to accept it. He goes with all my blessings and best wishes.”