You do not have to be a football expert to realise that the club has not got the balance of potential and established talent right yet, and that a couple more experienced players would benefit the team no end.
Since Sir Bobby arrived at St James’ Park the club policy has been to buy young players who will retain their value in the transfer market in the long-term, however we are still waiting to see the best of those youngsters.
Whether or not that policy will change in the summer seems to be down to Freddy Shepherd rather than the manager.
Sir Bobby told the Sunday Sun: "We have young players here who need understanding. They will occasionally let you down through a lack of experience.
"You cannot play a game like a 27-year-old if you are only 19.
"Our young players are searching for quality and we have to give them the chance to develop.
"The ones who mature and get better will take us closer to the top three.
"We also need capital investment.
"Whether we have that or not I don't know - it's in the hands of the chairman.
"What money can we make? Obviously we will make more if we finish fourth and then qualify for the Champions League group stage. There is a sum of money that we know comes with that qualification.”
He added: "The chairman is a great guy. He is always ready to spend and bring players in. He has always done that.
"My relationship with him is strong; we are fine. He understands what we are trying to do here.
"He doesn't like losing games - most chairman don't - but he is actually very good at handling it."