Everyone allegedly gained from the week-long stint in Austria, although it didn't sort out the future of Michael Owen, Oba Martins or Charles N'Zogbia.
Although, if it did, no-one was going to talk about it to the likes of us.
Allardyce: "It was good to take the lads away to Austria. It was a very good exercise for us out there and not just for the new lads but for everyone involved at the club.
'Bonding Success' But Nothing To Do With 007
"We wanted everyone here to spend some time together. Now the boys are back in Newcastle and we will be looking to take things on again.
"In the next couple of days that's what we will be doing, and then it will be time for our game against Hartlepool in our first friendly of the season. All the lads are looking forward to it."