Newcastle United managing director Lee Charnley does not believe that the club are being held back by their facilities - despite concerns over the state of the Magpies' Benton base.
Fans believe that United are behind some of their Premier League rivals when it comes to resources as teams like Leicester and Man City boast on social media about their plush set-ups.
But Charnley said: "You look at the training ground and think: Did it stop us from getting out of the Championship? No.
"Did it stop us finishing tenth? No.
"Is it OK? It is.
"Would we ideally like it to be better?
"Yes, in an ideal world."
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United plan to improve their facilities over time and for now they want to focus on bringing players in rather than investment behind the scenes at the 2003-built training ground.
Charnley went on: "No player has turned around and said they will not sign because of the training ground.
"Would I prioritise now £20m to improve the training ground or for players in the team?
"I'd say improve the team."
Newcastle go into the weekend's game with Southampton knowing that three points will seal their top-flight place.
But Charnley does not feel that the club are just operating to survive.
He said: "The idea we turn up every year just hoping to survive just isn't correct.
"We want to improve but do so sustainably.
"We want to be competitive at every level and in every competition."
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