Will Ashley stick or twist?

Life is pretty sweet as an NUFC fan at the moment in all honesty. In fact I'm actually struggling to recall the last time we had things so good.

Results, if not performances, are up there with the best, we currently occupy a Champions League spot, we have a team that has shown that it can dominate things and add flair to a game, and that same team has also show that it sticks together when the back are against the wall.

In a way it's sad that us Newcastle fans can't get a little bit carried away about our start for fear of being labelled as "deluded" or accused of "getting carried away". Still, you can blame the media for that, the very same media who are seemingly ignoring our more than respectable start to the season.

I've not met one Newcastle fan who expects this run to last. Likewise I've not met one NUFC fan who actually expects us to qualify for the Champions League. The general feeling is that it's nice while it lasts, but there is always a cautious guard in observance by a collective of fans who are used to getting a proverbial kick in the nads just when it seems as though it's safe to crack a smile.

One of the reasons for worrying is, dare I say it, the transfer window. It may seem miles away at the moment but plans will be being put in place at clubs around the country, managers will be identifying players and scouts will be looking for them. Apparently it's even happening at Newcastle as we speak.

To me this season hinges on two things now. First off lets assume that we get to, say, mid-December and we find ourselves positioned just outside the European places. We'll say 8th or 9th and a few points of 7th for arguments sake. What happens then? Will Mike Ashley stick with what he has knowing full well that the current players have enough about themselves to survive? Or will he twist and sanction further incoming transfer deals that fit the current club policy to improve the squad and help push us on?

The same can be said about our current players. I mean providing some of them continue to impress there could be some interest from clubs as a result. Will Mike Ashley reject any bids aside from silly money ones? Or will he cash in his chips and just find another replacement for a fraction of the fee?

If we can get a positive answer to those two questions then we will have real signs of optimism and it will go some way to dispelling the fear that money dictates while confirming that there is a plan for sustainable growth at the club. Remember, nobody is asking for mega signings, but continuous strengthening should be on the top of the agenda for sure.

Any thoughts?