Rafael Benitez is confident Newcastle's bid for a return to the Premier League is safe in his hands despite owner Mike Ashley's return to the limelight.
Weekend headlines suggested Ashley had stepped in during recent days to ensure his long-standing policy of signing younger players with potential sell-on value, which has been relaxed since Benitez was parachuted in to Tyneside, is reinstated as the Spaniard attempts to build upon a solid first half of the season.
Benitez remains relaxed about a situation he does not believe has changed materially, but hinted that the best approach would be to leave him alone and allow him to do what he does best.