Newcastle United's January shopping needs prompted a similar response from both rival fans and pundits alike this month as they sneered: "Don't expect it to be like Football Manager!"
The reality is you won't find many Newcastle fans who thought the club were just going to maraud their way through January and expect to sign world stars.
Many wondered what was feasible while others viewed it as a test to see whether the club's newfound riches could genuinely end some barren years in the transfer market.
