When the transfer window swung open for business on June 10, Eddie Howe had already made one major decision about how things would be at Newcastle United when it came to the club's recruitment drive.
Howe has quietly shaped the agenda at Newcastle and while he is - on paper at least the club's head coach - he has effectively played the role of head of football business since being appointed last November. Having fought through the first few months of the job without a sporting director, Howe knew all about the spending capabilities at Newcastle.
The former AFC Bournemouth boss refused to alter the wage budget for the simple reason he did not want to cause any disharmony behind the scenes with the bulk of the squad that had helped Newcastle stay in the Premier League. He opted against the release of players like Paul Dummett and Sean Longstaff at the end of their contracts, but Howe not only told then he rated their ability, he told them they were a huge part of keeping the team spirit alive around the place.
