Newcastle United's new owners have hardly put a foot wrong since rocking up on Tyneside little over six months ago. Open communication with the fanbase, supporting the community and investing in the playing squad to fend off a relegation scrap. More of the same will see the Magpies prosper going forward.
Jamie Carragher sat down for a pre-match pint with Newcastle supporters outside 'Shearer's Bar' on Friday evening to gauge how the club has changed since Mike Ashley 's exit. A section of fans in the region have made no secret they are expecting overnight success and a swift pursuit of titles and world-leading talent.
But the Sky Sports pundit doesn't subscribe to that view, instead telling the new owners to try and emulate the success of Friday's opponents Wolves in the short-term - simultaneously avoiding big-money, household names who may see Newcastle as a cash cow they can milk for a payday.
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"I mentioned to supporters focusing their rebuild around Wolves, because what Newcastle should not be doing is spending money on players who are just coming here for one thing, which is possibly the money. I think they have to build it gradually," Carragher said on Sky Sports.
"You look at Wolves and what they have done, not just under this manager, but under Nuno as well. They have always been in and around the European places, and even had a run in Europe themselves and have done well in domestic cups.
"There is no rush for these Newcastle owners, they are here for a very long time, so I think Newcastle should look at the team they are playing tonight over the next year or two."
Links to superstar names will arrive thick and fast once the football is finished with next month - and there may well be a marquee signing in the summer - but it's imperative to be patient.
As Carragher points out, signing players who are committed to the project and the long-term vision should be the summer aim. Director of Football and CEO appointments will also go a long way to ensuring Newcastle aren't caught short with the wrong type of player.
In recent weeks, Paul Pogba, Neymar, Paulo Dybala and Gareth Bale have all been tentatively linked with a move to the north east. All exceptional talents who would wholeheartedly improve Eddie Howe's side. But they also come with baggage, eye-watering wages and doubts around whether they would be up for a mid-table fight in the immediate future.
Kieran Trippier was harshly accused of leaving La Liga giants Atletico Madrid for one final payday in England at the business end of his career. Since January, the England international has shown he is at Newcastle for the right reasons.
"I feel as though the games I play, for club and country, if I feel as though I can help my team-mates on and off the pitch, travel to every game. Especially with my injuries, it is about helping the team and the lads know that," the right-back told Carragher on Friday.
Bruno Guimaraes, another top addition in January, has also spoken of the 'project' since becoming a fan-favourite in black and white. "I believe a lot in the project and I hope that everything works out as it was passed on to me," he said during the international break.
Players arriving at the club this summer must be aware that the club will not be winning silverware and breaking into the top four in the short-term. As Carragher rightly says, attempting to emulate Wolves' success next season would be a sensible target to set.
