Former West Brom assistant discusses post Tony Pulis-challenges and Middlesbrough boss Jonathan Woodgate

Before taking charge of the Hatters in the summer Jones was Darren Moore’s assistant at West Brom, less than a year after Tony Pulis had left the Hawthorns.

And Jones says it was challenging to try and change the Welshman’s pragmatic approach, which he believes can have ‘a lasting impression on the club.’

"I think we need to assess Jonathan's work, I think it's been fantastic," said Jones after Luton’s 1-0 win over Boro at the Riverside.

"He's taken over from Tony, Tony has got his own style. I know that more than anyone because me and Darren went to West Brom, where Tony had a lasting impression on the club.

"It's not easy turning that style of play around, it takes time. You don't get instant success.

"I like how Jonathan conducts himself, I like how his teams try to play. The crowd need to be patient with him here, it doesn't come overnight. It was very, very difficult for us at West Brom, that's what he's going through."

The result means Luton are just four points from safety after backing up a 1-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday in mid-week.

Jones was full of praise for his players after the match, especially given the quality of Boro’s starting XI and bench.

"They played 4-2-4 in the end, they had four strikers on the pitch," added Jones after strikers Britt Assombalonga and Rudy Gestede came on for the Teessiders in the second half.

"They had a lot of quality coming off the bench, if you look at their bench it's a Premier League bench.

"We played Wednesday, they played Tuesday, we had to travel up north yesterday, two trains, lots of variables against us. But there's a spirit in there.

"I am delighted. I feel like it's been coming. We're right in the ball game now. I'm not interested what other teams do, it's game on. I said when we had everyone fit we'd be competitive and that's what has happened."