There were no grand declarations of intent, a la Amanda Staveley five weeks ago. This, rather, was more a Howe To Guide To Survival.
Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe stopped short of labelling himself Red Adair, but he did take a hose to expectation.
The most revealing aspect of his unveiling at St James’ Park was not what has been discussed with the new Saudi-led ownership - but more so what has not.
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The world’s richest owners they may be, but any talk of the Champions League has been shelved when the immediate concern is the Championship.