Getting the right players matters most, not the speed getting in players: Newcastle chief

NEWCASTLE: Eddie Howe admitted he has a dose of transfer frustration just seven days before Newcastle United head into Premier League battle.

The Magpies recorded an impressive 1-0 win over Serie A side Atalanta at St. James’ Park on Friday evening thanks to a Chris Wood penalty.

And while Howe was content with what he saw from his current crop, he has revealed that he had hoped for better news on a frontline recruit before now.

“I probably wouldn’t have hoped to have been in that situation but that’s the transfer window,” Howe said.

“As I’ve said many times, there’s no certainty on anything. You want to get business done early but time in management has told me that rarely happens and we have to be adaptable.

“The most important thing is we get the right players, not the speed in which we get the players in.

“We’re working hard behind the scenes to try and make that happen.”

Howe continued: “I think there is a slight frustration but not aimed at anyone from our side. It’s just an understanding of the window and the mechanics that go into making transfers happen.

“There’s a frustration that you want to build your team and get the cohesive nature working quickly.

“We hope we can do something but I think we’ve shown tonight we do have strength in depth.”

Howe used the final weekend of the summer to split his United squad into two groups — and made sure all but one of those players got 90 minutes under their belt.

Kieran Trippier captained the side as Nick Pope made his home debut and fellow summer capture Sven Botman, as well as Callum Wilson, Bruno Guimaraes and Allan Saint-Maximin, sat it out. All will start against Bilbao on Tyneside on Saturday afternoon.

United got off to a bright start against their