In a busy week on Barrack Rd, we have reached a position where Newcastle United look to have already sorted themselves out for next season. While most things are yet to be rubber stamped I'm pretty confident about next season, and haven't been able to say that for some years.

Ownership - While Freddy stays Mike Ashley is now in control. It seems more and more certain that once Mr Ashley hits the 90% mark that he will look to replace FFS, and that in the meantime Big Sam will have the ear of the Owner and that Mr Shepherd will not have a huge influence on the club.

Signings - Barton and Viduka are in, with Ben Haim and Rozehnal expected early next week. With a total spend of £8.8m and income from Scott Parker at £7m, its pretty good business (assuming Barton keeps out of prison and off his team mates!).

Future Signings - Sam is looking for two players in each position. Boateng is expected to be a squad player to join for under £1m. We still need full backs and while Baines is lined up, it still isn't anywhere near certain that he will be joining us. Wes Brown is also being touted for the RB berth, but this is where work needs doing.

Pre-seasons - Havng been ommitted from the Ajax tournament we really need to be getting some top class opposition lined up, and this is something which Sam knows he needs to do (as reported in the Chronicle).

Training Ground - again something which has been discussed over past seasons due to our 'wrong grass', but Sam is even more scathing of the facilities, so this really needs sorting urgently.

Staff - again something to do with the squads fitness, as Sam is looking to bring in these specialists in the coming weeks. Its good to see that in a couple of weeks when the players return Sam will have a staff in place to apply 21st century methods to our squad (a good few years too late).