Inside Eddie Howe's shock 'politicised' press conference as Newcastle United power struggle revealed

And he's not sure he's going to get it right now, after what has proven a seismic shift in St James' Park's tectonic plates this summer.

That's my take on what was a quite remarkable half hour with Newcastle's head coach at Adidas HQ, in which Howe's angst was palpable for all in his company and future a whole lot less certain that it had seemed just a fortnight ago.

For context, if any is needed, some of his biggest boardroom allies have left - Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi - a transfer guru has arrived - Paul Mitchell - and a major suitor is waiting in the wings ready to pounce - England.

It has sewn seeds of uncertainty at the club, and that's clearly being felt by Howe.

Newcastle is moving in the right direction, of that there is zero doubt, but the change is unsettling - and Howe admits he is yet to know how this new power dynamic will play out. He also repeatedly said he wants to stay - but will only do so if he is happy.

What makes him happy? That is not something he would really progress, bar a reference to his work, control on everything including transfers, being more than enough for significant United progress over the last two and a half years.

He praised Mitchell brilliantly, but it's clear that appointment, has sparked a fire few would have expected Howe to play out in public.

This very much felt like his politicised moment in Germany, intended or not, and not the celebration of a new, loving partnership, at the home of the sportswear giant - it was more a signal that divorce is an option if things don't gel in Newcastle's new normal.

This was the first time we've ever seen honest Eddie, Newcastle's Mr Nice Guy, go straight and turn the tables. He loves Newcastle and wants to stay - but now we know he wants it to be on his term.

Looking at what was said today, everyone searching for a 'staying at Newcastle' narrative will find one when they read the quotes and look and listen to the TV interviews. However, those keen to see cracks in the message, torn thoughts and confusion will be able to locate that in equal measure.

This was not what anyone expected. This was a press conference with lots of strong words, and bucket loads of nuance. For Howe, however, this was new territory.

You will all have your own take on this - and can read Eddie's quotes in full here - but I was in the room, with the gathered North East press in Herzogenaurach - and the chatter after Howe walked from the Newcastle-themed hangar in the German countryside, was awash with wide-ranging opinions.

Some thought it was unequivocal that he wanted to stay, some saw more latitude in Howe's words. There was even a train of thought that that he left the door wide open to an exit, but a read back over what was actually said, in the cold light of day, goes some way to contradicting that.

It must be noted, it seems that Howe softened his message as he moved from interview stations. Written press - national and local - were first in the firing line. Those after, BBC, the club media team and Sky Sports, seem to have been presented with a slightly altered Eddie, the one beamed out over your screens.

Was Howe flexing his muscles from a perceived position of strength with England looking? Was he making everyone know he wants transfers to remain on his agenda? Only he will know.

It still remains unlikely he will leave for England, or if they even go for him. But with his words and actions on Friday, he made sure everyone knows he isn't against jumping ship, if the fun stops and control slips.