Steve Bruce says he will never try to pull the wool over Newcastle United's fanbase - and has made it clear the club have very little to spend in the summer transfer window.
United are one of a handful of clubs who are yet to make the breakthrough in the summer market with no major signings through the door so far.
And Bruce admitted that Newcastle are awaiting the transfer business of the top six to see where they stand in terms of loan deals.
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Bruce said: "The one thing I am never going to do is b******* them.
"And they know, everybody knows how difficult it is going to be.
"We haven't got a lot of money.
"And as managers we always want players and money to improve the team.
"That's our job - I don't think I am alone though in thinking it's going to be quiet, so we have to be patient.
"We have to wait for the big huge clubs and see what they do.
"I hope people take that the right way."
Newcastle's well-documented chase for Joe Willock has been in the headlines all summer but Arsenal are keeping the Magpies waiting on that score.
Bruce said: "Like Arsenal, they have brought in two midfielders.
"Joe Willock is our starting point because he had an unbelievable three months for us, but there has to be a time where we get a yes or no.
"We have to be patient.
"I've done it before but we have to be patient with not a lot of money splashing around.
"The supporters know it will be very difficult.
"We're not going to be breaking any transfer records that's for sure.
"But I will do my utmost, Joe was a loan signing last year, Jetro Willems the year before.
"So let's use the market well and box clever."
Bruce feels that the Middle East takeover at St James' Park would have benefited everybody on Tyneside.
But reflected: "We have to be creative that's the better word.
"Look, I'm a supporter like them, we all want and I want to improve us.
"We all wanted the takeover to happen, everybody, including the owner.
"If that's what it takes to move the club forward I understand it totally.
"In the mean time I will do my utmost and keep bashing away, that's all I can do.
"We're only allowed two domestic loans and one from each club.
"So there has to come a time when there's a cut off (for Willock).
"We will have to find out.
"Whether it's on loan or to buy him."
