Steve Bruce has spoken about his meetings with Mike Ashley this week.
The owner arrived by helicopter this week and then took the squad out for dinner at the Tomahawk Steakhouse on the Quayside on Wednesday evening.
Bruce and his players were treated to a steak by Ashley but the Toon boss feels the move can only be deemed as a positive.
He said: "It was good to see him. He likes to come up and take the team for dinner.
"Of course he's the owner - the boss - but we went out for dinner and it was great. How it should be!"
Bruce played down talk that there had been talks about spending power this season, but admits he is always happy to get help on the cash front.
Bruce added: "We didn't really talk football.
"It is vitally important I don't have everyday dealings with Mike with all that is going on in his life.
"The most important relationship with your CEO (Lee Charnley).
"You won't always see eye to eye and there may be a few arguments!
"But every manager needs that help."
When asked about the takeover situation - in a week in which Ashley released a statement on the failed sale - said: "It's all been said.
"To be fair to Mike he only wants what is best for the club.
"It was a unique situation and doesn't look like happening."
