Derek Llambias has insisted Newcastle United will be careful when it comes to bringing in new players because they cannot afford to have too many high earners.
Llambias says the Magpies have 11 'Purples' - the players who are regulars in the first team - and then try to have as strong a squad as possible underneath without spending too much.
Alan Pardew tried to sign another central defender in the summer transfer window (Douglas), and after injuries to Fabricio Coloccini and Steven Taylor that left the team short of options, Pardew said he was right.
But managing director Llambias stands by the club's policy.
He wants players to play out of position - rather than draft in another defender.
But isn't that a decision to be made by the MANAGER ... not Ashley's arse-wipe?
Derek Llambias: "We've made it quite clear to everyone. We have 11 positions that are grade A players or Purples, as we call them.
"Then, under them, we have the players who come in under them to take the positions so the squad gets bigger.
"We've made it quite clear to everyone. We have 11 positions that are grade A players or Purples, as we call them.
"Eventually we'll have 33 players who will be pushing everyone. Where we are we have, in effect, 11 Purples if you count (Vurnon) Anita.
"He can play midfield, right-back, left-back. They are there. Centre-backs you have Colo and Steven Taylor, who are fantastic centre-backs.
"To bring in another centre-back then you have James Perch, who is doing a fantastic job, (Mike) Williamson, who is doing a fantastic job.
"You can't have two purples per position because the club can't afford it. You have to be realistic."