Have you tried the customization options (click on the gear icon on the right) for the new tab page? Also, if the number of top sites is an issue, you can increase it to more than two rows - let me know and I will provide directions.

For now, you can restore the old new tab page, but you should be aware that it will be removed soon in a future version of Firefox:

1. type "about:config" in the address bar
2. click the "I accept the risks" button
3. in the search box, type "browser.newtabpage.activity-stream.enabled"
4. double-click the item that appears to change the value to "false"
5. you may need to restart Firefox for this to take effect.

For a more permanent solution, there are also many addons available that provide a new tab page that is closer to what the old was: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/search/?q=speed+dial

If i restore the old version as you said and disable the automatic update, can i keep it permanently with this firefox version?

Disabling Firefox updates is not a good idea, as old versions will have security vulnerabilities that will be fixed in newer versions of Firefox. I would recommend that you look at the extensions on the link above; several of them are quite similar to the old new tab page.

Yes, I would like it back, also. You actually highjacked my NEW TAB without any consideration for those who do not like your idea of what I like. How can this be called 'MY FIREFOX' when I have to put up with stupid things like 'recommendations by Pocket", a bunch of buttons etc. You forced me to make it display a blank page. Thanks for ... well ... nothing.

Hi DM_Deleter, this is the third thread I've seen you post in with the same comment. Please focus your attention on the new one you started: https://support.mozilla.org/questions/1212369

Dear jscher2000, You are corre3ct. Does that tell you something about how upset I was at having my New Tab messed with by whoever did it without a good explanation of how to get rid of what essentially ruined my day? I am currently going over each post to say thank you for your fast reply 'this time' and to clear things up. Was I a nuisance? Probably, but I spent a good 2 hours trying to find a solution in the database you call a support forum. I was really ... ahh ... upset by then. However, with the quick replies, I have gotten my New Tab back again and you have restored my faith in the ability of the people working in the 'support' feature to help us old guys get along. Maybe 69 is too old to complain but I did and I it was solved. I'm not sorry to get the attention needed but I am sorry you had to put up with it. Thanks again.