Steve Bruce hinted he helped to get Newcastle United's spectacular takeover over the line in an emotional television interview.
The Toon boss remains in position for now but Newcastle's new Saudi-backed ownership consortium are expected to put their stamp on the club.
The Sunday clash against Tottenham is also Bruce's 1000th game as a manager, having managed 11 clubs since first taking the reins at Sheffield United in 1998.
Bruce hasn't enjoyed much success in Newcastle, with limited funds available as Mike Ashley desperately tried to flog the North East club.
But the 60-year-old reckons he has laid the foundations for any future success - by keeping Newcastle afloat in the Premier League.
Bruce told Sky Sports: "I'm delighted for everybody at the club that the takeover has gone through. It was badly needed. That's no disrespect to the previous owners at all.
"It sounds ridiculous but I'd like to think I've played a little part in it by keeping the club in the Premier League. That has enabled it to go through. It feels a bloody long time ago!
"On the quiet this year, I've been pleased with some of our performances.
"We haven't had a good start and haven't won a game yet - but we've been close. Let's hope we can get three points on the board.
"In amongst it all, we have to be professional and get on with our jobs. It's been difficult and there's no disputing that there's an air of excitement which is different to what was there before.
"Let's hope there are exciting times ahead and everyone can enjoy it along the way.
"The players have trained well and you can tell there's a different atmosphere and vibe around the place."
Bruce is a boyhood Newcastle United supporter, despite also managing bitter rivals Sunderland previously in his career.
There was an air of a last hurrah as the Englishman reflected on his 1000 games in management but it's over to chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Amanda Staveley and the other new board figures to make the call.
Bruce added: "I found management very difficult to begin with, there's no denying that. I'm still finding it difficult now.
"You have to grow resilience and enjoy the game of football basically.
"For me, management is a substitute for playing. Today, I woke up and thought, 'I wish I was playing'!
"How lucky am I to have gone 43 years unbroken in football?"
