Newcastle football chief Dan Ashworth is delighted with his first months in the job.
The former FA guru and Brighton sporting director is loving life at St James' Park.
He told Chronicle Live: "First of all I have loved it. It is a fantastic place to work and a brilliant football club.
"I knew how passionate the supporters were. But I have still been surprised, whether that's popping across the road to get a sandwich or the 50,000 in the stadium.
"It really has taken me by surprise how much the club means to Newcastle United supporters. It has been brilliant. I have loved being here and loved the challenge."
In just a few short months Ashworth oversaw additions such as Isak - for a club record £63million - while Howe was handed a long-term deal.
Ashworth spoke about the challenge in-depth and reflected: "Being pitched into a summer window without building relationships and understanding how the board works, how Eddie works, or how the recruitment works has been a challenge.
"Obviously you are stuck within a tight timeframe because the transfer window shuts on September 1. So it was getting players out and off the books.
"Getting some players on loan from a development pathway point of view. Adjusting contracts, ie Elliot Anderson, and the staff, Eddie Howe and some senior and youth recruits.
"So we brought in five senior players and obviously Loris Karius came in post-deadline and we signed five players for the younger players.
"I have been doing this job 15 years now and I don't think I have ever said the day after deadline: 'That was perfect and we got every position we wanted and everybody we wanted'.
"I always would like emerging talents in that category and younger players, and possibly one more to support the first-team. But, overall, [we are] really pleased with the players we signed and the business we [have] done."