The Entertainers were back in Newcastle last night but despite some memorable tales of yesteryear it could only lift the gloom temporarily as anxiety still pollutes the Tyneside air.
Revelations of why Rob Lee snubbed a move to Middlesbrough, the day John Beresford clashed with Kevin Keegan on the touchline and what happened when Brian Kilcline had his hair chopped by a phantom hairdresser on a club tour to Cyprus were all up for discussion.
Yet once the merriement dies down, Newcastle fans were facing up to reality today.
The Chronicle would never speak on behalf of the fans but you strongly detect that Toon fans are increasingly concerned that current squad lacks depth.
An experienced central defender surely is a must for United and while the full-back department, boosted by Habib Beye's bright promise, isn't a priority, the engine room is a major concern.
With Emre gone, Joey Barton in limbo - Newcastle have just Geremi and Nicky Butt as contenders as it stands.
Butt surely can't go on forever in the middle despite two seasons of personal success in which the player stuck two fingers up to critics who didn't want him back on board.
As far as wingers go, Newcastle can at least say there is competition for places.
The only signing of the summer so far, in Jonas Gutierrez goes in with Damien Duff, James Milner and Charles N'Zogbia to do battle for the wing king slots out wide.
With a bit of luck they'll be providing the bullets for Michael Owen, who must still sign a new deal, and Oba Martins, also sporting a question mark over his head in terms of a contract.
Mark Viduka starts the season with injury, while young gun Andy Carroll will be aiming to force a way in if he doesn't get farmed out on loan.
Then you have Alan Smith.
You can't say Smith doesn't give it his all but the lack of goals from Smudge is the real concern.
Last season he was fielded in several different positions but when KK played him alongside Owen, he still couldn't get on the scoresheet.
And there you have it, that's pretty much the situation as it stands with six weeks or so left of the transfer window.
Judgements become more intense as the pre-season games are ticked off and then it's into the real stuff.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
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