Kevin Keegan claims he had no say in the signing of any of the foreign players in the summer, as Dennis Wise and "those with Spanish connections" threw his "wanted list" in the bin and made "other arrangements".
So you can imagine how Fabricio Coloccini, Nacho Gonzalez, Jonas Gutierrez and Xisco have all been caught in the turmoil at their new club.
An experience new to them ... but also new to Kevin Keegan ... and allegedly the reason for the turmoil.
Gutierrez has been injured and Gonzalez has been on the bench because of a slight strain, but Xisco and Coloccini have both been involved, and neither has looked comfortable wearing the black and white.
The need time, as we all know, but it would help if there was a settled manager to given them encouragement.
Toon striker Shola Ameobi feels for them.
Ameobi: "The last few weeks have been tough, for us as well as the new players.
"It's something I've been used to at Newcastle, but its always tough when you don't have a manager. We have to get on with it. Like any other thing you have to focus on what you can do on the pitch, do everything positively on the pitch and hopefully that can override what's going on off the pitch.
"Personally, I've had worse times in my career, like being injured for a long time, but in terms of the whole club, it is probably the worst I've known.
"It's been a tough time for the whole club, not just us as players. But football goes on, we have games to play and have to focus on what's going on. I can't speak for the new guys, but this is not something I'm not used to at Newcastle. I'm getting on with it like I've always got on with it. But it must be tough for the new guys coming in under the circumstances.
"I'm a Newcastle fan. I know what the fans are feeling and the players. I've got it from both sides in terms of professionally and in terms of the club. It's tough, but you can't let things like this get you down. We have to make sure we rise above everything that happens as anything can in football."
"Its strange because everyone thought they (Tottenham) would kick on from last season. That hasn't happened, but they are tremendous opponents and we have to play at our best."