It is, on reflection, a transfer window that will be judged by results on the pitch. We had declared previously that the verdict on Newcastle’s new owners would be returned on February 1.
But the nature of their business - some mightily impressive, some key areas still short - means the jury will reassemble at St James’ Park next week ahead of a colossal double-header against Everton and Aston Villa.
Had the hierarchy completed the deadline-day signing of the attacking player the team needs - deals collapsed for Reims teenager Hugo Ekitike and Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard - then the spotlight would have shifted solely to Eddie Howe for the remainder of their survival mission.