Despite their inconsistent form and lengthy injury list in both midfield and defence, the Magpies failed to make a single signing before the window closed on Monday night.
Eddie Howe has admitted that the decision not to make an addition was a “risk”, but David Hopkinson insists it was not for the lack of trying and has defended the club’s actions.
Speaking in an interview on talkSPORT, Hopkinson said: “Let me tell you, this was an extraordinary transfer window in terms of activity.
“We have an amazing sporting director in Ross Wilson. He’s been my first call in the morning and last call at night every day this month.
“The activity has been incredibly high. We didn’t find the right opportunity for an acquisition, but we had the room to do so.”
Hopkinson has reiterated his ambitions for Newcastle to be challenging to be one of the world’s ‘biggest clubs’ by 2030.
“The number one thing I talk to the ownership about is ambition. That’s the magic word here.
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“We have total alignment on that. This is a club that, by 2030, will be consistently contending for the top prizes in global football.
“We have a lot of wood to chop between here and there. When I see Newcastle United, everywhere I look, I see opportunity.”
Hopkinson revealed there has still not been any progress on a decision over whether to build a new stadium or redevelop St James’ Park.
“The truth is we haven’t decided [on St James’ Park’s future],” he said. “St James’ Park is a magical place and it’s going to be an extraordinary place on Saturday when we play our next (home) match.
“It’s nearly 53,000 – we think it could be bigger. That, of course, is revenue and [would be] a major investment. We haven’t made the final decision on what we’re going to do but we’re working on this every day, deciding whether it’s here or on a new site.
“But we have an opportunity that we’re pursuing and we’re working on it every day. All of our modelling, on the capacity today [for a potential rebuild], starts in the 60,000 range.
“I don’t think bigger than that is good but we want to make sure that, if we do something, it is material and significant – [an extra] ten to 15 thousand here would be right.
“A new stadium is something we’re considering, but not really moving that far. We don’t want to be in some farmer’s field out in the middle of nowhere. One thing that makes Newcastle so special is its location.”