In Alan Pardew’s office at the club’s Benton training ground is a huge photograph of the former Newcastle and England manager.
Alan Pardew: "What the best piece of advice I've been given since arriving on Tyneside?
“The best advice I’ve had has probably come from John Carver, more than anybody.
“Just about the traditions of Newcastle, and what the fans will be happy about.
“And what Sir Bobby Robson’s approach was to certain issues. All of that’s been very useful information.
“Sir Bobby had some players here that were difficult – Craig Bellamy sticks to my mind – and other powerful players.
“(Laurent) Robert and even Alan Shearer – he’s a big, big personality, and that’s what you get at football clubs.
“Big, big personalities. I’ve had a few myself – Kevin Nolan, Joey Barton, (Fabricio) Coloccini, Demba Ba, (Yohan) Cabaye – these are big personalities, and you have to make sure you handle them correctly.
“Your big players are the most important ones.”