Jonathan Woodgate hopes Newcastle United's 'special' supporters get the success they 'deserve' under Eddie Howe but the former Magpies' defender has warned it won't be easy to buy the players to save their season.
Although Newcastle's owners have worked 'tirelessly' to prepare for their first window in charge, January is a notoriously difficult and unpredictable period to do business in.
Clubs are particularly keen to hold onto key players because there is so little time to find replacements, but Kieran Trippier may prove a rare exception if Newcastle meet Atletico Madrid's asking price as manager Diego Simeone understands the right-back's desire to return to England.
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Other deals may not be quite so straightforward to do. While Lille have had financial difficulties in the past, the Ligue 1 champions are not exactly in a hurry to sell defender Sven Botman to the Magpies.
Woodgate actually joined Newcastle, himself, in the mid-season window back in 2003 and the 41-year-old is well-placed to give an insight into January and the reception that awaits new signings on Tyneside.
"St James' is something special to be honest with you," the former Middlesbrough and Bournemouth boss told the Open Goal podcast.
"When you're coming out to the music before the game, that atmosphere is unreal and now Eddie Howe's gone there, I just hope they do so well because the fans deserve it.
"I don't think it's going to be easy. Will they splash a lot of money in January? I'm not so sure. They might buy a few players, but who's going to sell them?
"What Eddie Howe will do at that club is he'll improve the players tenfold because he's that type of coach and the coaching staff that he's got there, he'll improve players.
"It isn't going to be easy, but I hope they will do well because the fans are special."
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