Newcastle United's new owners remain hopeful that they can add additions to Eddie Howe's squad before it shuts on January 31st - as they try to remedy the impact of Mike Ashley's 14-year reign.
While Amanda Staveley has thanked Ashley - and with good reason - many times in recent months for sticking with the financier's takeover bid, it is clear that the Sports Direct founder's management of the club is still creating problems.
The game with Watford was for most a must-win - and it ought to have been. The Hornets coming to St James' Park having lost their last seven games across all competitions and unable to keep a clean sheet - with St James' Park rocking, it was set up perfectly for United.
