Roeder has spent much of the summer searching for the men he needs to strengthen his squad, and in particular, a replacement for retired fan's legend Shearer.
Shearer: "He is a quality player. A player the Newcastle fans would take to."
The Magpies have been linked with a lengthy list of potential targets, but still we wait.
Roeder freely accepts that qualification for Europe could have a bearing on the signings he is able to make. But he would have welcomed the players BEFORE the tie.
Roeder: "Because I'm experienced, I know how the system works. You just can't pick up the phone anymore and find out if the player you want is available and the deal is done in 24 hours.
"That was the old way - and maybe that was the easier way for managers - but we know with all the other factors involved, it doesn't happen like that anymore.
"I'm not getting frustrated, but I understand that from now on, every day that goes by, our supporters are looking for new faces coming in the door.
That's only natural, that's the same at every club all around the country."