Sir John Hall doesn't expect to see his beloved Newcastle United win another trophy.
At 88, the Magpies' former owner admits the club that came so close to winning the Premier League under his chairmanship is now battling to be the best of the rest.
Today, many Toon fans are still pinning their hopes on Amanda Staveley's Saudi-backed consortium buying out Mike Ashley and launching another football revolution on Tyneside.
Hall is not holding his breath.
He told The Sun: "It's been dragging on for a long time now and I'd be surprised if the Saudis still have an interest, although I'm told they have.
"It looks as if the Premier League is determined to stop it for whatever reason but the whole saga is not good for the club or the fans.
"I'd just urge the supporters to get behind the team in the months ahead.
"What we think about the takeover won't make a blind bit of difference but if there's a bad atmosphere around the place, that will make a difference in a negative way."
Hall saw Steve Bruce's side beat Norwich 3-0 in their last pre-season friendly and was impressed by the performance.
But ahead of today's Prem opener at home to West Ham, he is under no illusions about the Toon's prospects.
He said: "Without significant investment, we've no chance of competing with the elite. Mid-table is the target.
"I'm 88 now and fortunately fit and healthy - but I cannot see Newcastle winning anything in my lifetime.
"Even if someone comes in within the next year, it will take time to build a team capable of challenging for honours. You cannot do it overnight."