Newcastle players return for pre-season training today, and it will be reserve coaches Ben Dawson and Neil Redfearn that take charge of it, which could bizarrely be a good thing for fans.
While some fans will take the cynical view that Mike Ashley will be looking to use one, or both of them, as a cheap longer-term appointment, it is unlikely to be the case.
But it could be a significant move in regard to a potential takeover of the club, as any new owner may want to appoint their own man, thus meaning putting a long-term manager in place now may be a futile move.
It could, of course, be as simple as Newcastle not having finalised, or even formally approached, their preferred target for the permanent role, but fans can still hope it is more than that.
How long they are in charge for is unknown, but one thing is known, and that is how short a time is left until the transfer window closes.
Whoever is in charge needs to bring players in
The club set off for China soon, with the first game of the Premier League Asia Trophy taking place on July 17, and as it stands, we have just Dwight Gayle and – for now – Joselu as strikers for the trip.
Whether Lee Charnley would place enough faith in Rafa Benitez’ drawn up transfer targets to make approaches for players from it, remains to be seen.
But they need players, and without a proper manager, someone needs to take responsibility to bring some in.
Let’s hope a takeover is closer than we know, and that a new ownership can get a manager installed and players signed as a matter of urgency.
An update from the Bin Zayed Group is much needed and anticipated, and when one comes, it may shed more light on the saga.
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