Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce is delighted with the transfer backing of owner Mike Ashley.
Bruce was convinced the failed Saudi funded deal would have “catapulted" Newcastle into the top six.
He explained: “Mike wants the best for the club. It could only benefit the club, take the club into a different... compete at the top end, top six.
“It catapults you into a different scenario. But it looks like it is dead in the water.
“But it doesn't look as if it has happened. For me it is business as usual. From 12 months ago we are better, the squad is stronger.
“Newcastle is always in a storm! We are working our way through it.
“There has been uncertainty."
Bruce says Ashley has “flexed his muscles" this week to land three new signings, and hit out at the Premier League in a controversial statement.
He added: “The owner wanted to come and meet his new players this week. He comes up once in a while and takes everyone out to dinner.
“Sometimes the manager needs help and over the last week he has flexed his muscles a bit which was good to see. He is the boss, the owner. We went out to dinner. It was great.
“It is important (to have a relationship with Ashley). Most important is the manager and the CEO. There is nothing like needing help like we did last week, then three our four walk through the door like we have got."
