There is no short-term fix for Newcastle United's ails.
There is so much that needs righting before the club is once again on an even keel.
Regardless of the draw against Leeds, it matters not long term. Problems remain to be fixed.
Because right now it is not Mike Ashley who is suffering, not Steve Bruce, but the club itself. It is serious and unless bold and positive action is taken United will end up in permanent decline.
Ashley is so disinterested it is untrue and Bruce is proving time and again that he is out of his depth.
Let us just take one point - tactics.
STEVE BRUCE SURVEY: HAVE YOUR SAY ON NUFC'S START HERE
United play three central defenders when virtually every single Premier League club plays only one up top. That leaves three to do one man's job. So why not operate with a flat back four and push another striker up the park?
It's not as though United are surviving through belt and braces. Goals have still been pouring in.
The current set up has seen several players playing out of position which only infuriates them because they are not comfortable.
The season is still young yet we have seen two wingers, Jacob Murphy and Matt Ritchie, playing wing-back or full-back when they cannot defend.
Emil Krafth and Isaac Hayden have played as central defenders when one is a right-back and the other a midfielder.
And Miggy Almiron has played all over the place as though his pace and willingness to run with the ball is essential to the team but it is then a question of where can you fit him in. The answer: anywhere.
Bruce has kept talking about 'getting the balance right' but what exactly is the balance he has failed to get right in two and a bit years? What is the long-term team plan?
And asking the question 'don't you think I want better players?' is just what the current lot want to hear in their time of need isn't it?
September is not out yet and I'm viewing Newcastle's next two games at Watford and Wolves as six-pointers. What does that tell us?
We are in a serious position with an owner who can't get out and a manager who won't get out.
Papering over the cracks is not the answer. That has been attempted for far too long.
A clear plan is required and needs to be carried out by men with purpose, drive and vision. Know any?
