Eddie Howe has played down speculation of a “civil war” at Newcastle following Paul Mitchell's criticism of his transfer strategy.
The Magpies failed to secure moves for senior targets including Marc Guehi and Anthony Elanga during a summer window that was heavily influenced by PSR rules.
In a wide-ranging interview, sporting director Mitchell found fault with the club's transfer strategy, suggesting it was not “fit for purpose”.
A newspaper headline then claimed there was a “civil war” in Newcastle, but the boss As He has been present to dismiss this.
“In my experience, it's not about civil war at all,” he said ahead of his side's Premier League clash with Wolves on Sunday.
“But I'm focused on my job and totally focused on the players and on training. I know that answer might bore you, but that's what I do every day that I'm here.”
Howe was part of a transfer team that signed key players such as Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon in his first two-and-a-half years at St. James' Park.
Following Mitchell's appointment in July, Howe now has less influence over transfers but has defended the club's past dealings following the sporting director's comments.
“I think there are a few things about that[Mitchell’s comments]. I’m very, very proud of every player we signed in that period. It’s very easy to look back at any transfer window and judge the players you’ve signed three years later.
“But we have to go back to the situation we were in at that time, in the relegation zone, and try to sign players. That's not an easy thing to do. Besides, you're not just signing for the short term, but for the long term.
“When you look back, that job was good. Our aim was to stay in the league so I'm not going to criticise every signing but I'm very, very proud of the job we did and the players we have now as a legacy from those transfer windows.
“We love them so much. So I think it's all about the moment you're in and the decisions you've made. I think we can all hold our heads high.”
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“I have said from the beginning that I don't want it to be about the old structure and the new structure, but obviously I played a very important role in those signings and I took responsibility for all of them.
“I said that whether they were good or bad, I would take responsibility for it because ultimately I was always the one who made the final decision on those signings and I was very proud to sign those players. I think they have been brilliant signings for where we are and the long-term future of the club and I really believe in them and I still do.”
Asked whether or not he agreed that Newcastle's scouting work was not “fit for purpose”, Howe replied: “I think that's for Paul to answer.
“I don't think I can answer for him. The scouting structure was there and whatever you think about the structures, I think the results were very good.”
“No, I haven't had any contact with Paul,” he added on whether he and Mitchell have been in touch during the international break.
“But I don't think it's anything unusual. We have different jobs to do. I focus on football and the team, and he obviously focuses on his role.”
Howe responded to questions about whether there have been transfer talks since deadline day: “No, there are still no talks until January. And there are no further talks about anything.
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“It's about unity. And it's about coming together now and making sure we focus on this moment. For me, it's all about the games and trying to get the players fit.”
Howe also said: “I think it's very important that there is transparency from the club and that the financial situation we have is not just discussed by me because, with all due respect to me, I'm not a man of numbers and figures. I'm a man of football.
“It's not my specialty, nor do I claim it to be. That's why I think it's good to have different people communicating about these areas.”
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