It has been a challenging summer but Newcastle are proving they will meet that head on
Matthias Jaissle, manager of Newcastle United, during the Premier League match against Tottenham
Even when it rains in slanting sheets it is inevitable that the sun will eventually shine through. No one knows that better than Geordies. And, hallelujah, so it has come to pass.
It's what we all prayed for with Newcastle United as they walked into the unknown after a summer of raging change.
When United were being dismissed nationally after a bunch of defectors hit the road, the world suggested that if the kings were leaving the castle then we may as well pull up the drawbridge. A Premier League opening double against established heavyweights Liverpool and Spurs only heightened the case of the neutrals.
So what? Enjoy the reunion with former pals Alexander Isak and Sandro Tonali? A united United have roared off all guns blazing, unbeaten in three league and cup matches and they would have won all three but for a 97th minute penalty for lucky Liverpool.
We have emerged into blazing sunshine and, boy, does everyone deserve it. For me personally it has been the greatest pick-me-up possible. Having endured going under the surgeon's knife and two stays in different hospitals that brought confirmation I haven't inherited Bruno's Superman cape, I have emerged into bright light spectacularly helped by my football team.
Newcomers from manager Matthias Jaissle to Amar Dedic have passed their auditions with terrific aplomb and are ready to take on the run of play stretching over 38 shows.
A 2-0 triumph at Spurs was the joy of joys. Lest we forget they are the second highest spenders this summer behind notorious Big Time Charlies Chelsea having shelled out a staggering £322m. Tottenham have consistently outdone United on individual fees twice smashing their club record in buying Mateus Fernandes for £85m and then Sandro Tonali for a fee potentially rising to £100m. Other big hits include Savio at £75m, Jan Paul van Hecke £52m and Omar Marmoush on loan from Man City with a £60m obligation to buy. That's a collection of financial fees Newcastle have deliberately turned their back on, not that football's governing body allows them such sustained leeway.
It mattered not a jot. Spurs played like strangers while we played with a burning desire, an utter togetherness, and tactical shrewdness.
There have been so many performances to admire over the opening trio of matches. Amar Dedic looks a belter, an all action man who loves a tackle as well as an assist. He is the perfect protection in case Tino Livramento decides to join the Leavers Club. Indeed as it stands Livramento will have some job getting in at right-back here never mind at one of the Big Six.
Nico Gonzalez already has good top class experience despite being only 24 and brings with him a stupendous range of passing long and short as well as the bite of a bear trap. His 60 yard crossfield rifle to set up United's first goal was awesome.
Other new residents? Keeper Lukas Hornicek brought off some grand reflex saves and Sean Steur has a sound footballing brain for an 18-year-old.
And what about Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa, newcomers as well this summer? Last season under Eddie Howe they looked like flops but now under Jaissle they are top of the pops. Born again, revitalised, confidence oozing out of every pore.
Of course we still have the old reliables headed by Lewis Hall. He gave away two penalties in United's first two games but his head never dropped and in north London he was what he is. A class act.
Pardon me if I smile just a tad at the recollection of Tonali being turned by Elanga on the first goal and then hooked with a face like a well smacked backside. He gave us no loyalty for the 10-month suspension when all black and whiters on the terraces and in club stuck by him but he did give us a going away present. A hundred million pounds deposited in the NUFC bank.
As for Jaissle he is an intriguing character . . . cool dresser but hot bunny on the touchline, young and passionate, courteous but with a definite bite.
I have to keep reminding myself that it is early days - Hull City were joint top of the league on Saturday night - but Newcastle's start is way beyond our wildest dreams. We simply didn't know what to expect because, Gonzalez apart, we knew nothing of those imported except their young age which guaranteed nought except enthusiasm.
There is a belief in football that a new team and/or manager ought to be judged after 10 matches because things have settled down by then. I get the point.
However that cut off point in the PL comes after these fixtures: Bournemouth (h), Leeds (a), Hull City (h), Coventry (a), Aston Villa (h), Crystal Palace (a), Everton (h), and Fulham (a). Whisper it but they aren't scary.
Because of my operation I missed the start of a season for the first time in 60 years on the NUFC beat and cripplingly the high emotion of King Kev's St James' Park tribute. I was bereft. KK was a friend. However now is the time to make up for that bitter disappointment and I'm looking forward immensely to Bournemouth arriving at our door on Saturday lunchtime.
There's never a stroll down Sunshine Street in the Premier League for a reconstructed squad but here is a challenge United now look more than capable of meeting.