David Hopkinson and Ross Wilson have given Matthias Jaissle the tools for Newcastle United success.

What a wild summer it proved to be for Newcastle United. Just over a fortnight ago, the Magpies were seemingly sleepwalking towards a new Premier League season with one hand tied behind Matthias Jaissle’s back.

The local press pack - The Gazette included - were critical. After pre-season defeats to Everton, Bayer Leverkusen and Strasbourg, there were legitimate concerns about where this project was heading. The performances evoked worry, but the bigger issue was the squad Jaissle had inherited.

Established stars had departed. A new manager was trying to implement his ideas. And Newcastle appeared to be entering a new era without giving him the tools required to succeed.

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It felt as though Jaissle was being hung out to dry. Fast forward a few weeks and the mood has drastically shifted.

An influx of exciting arrivals has painted a fresh picture. Amar Dedic, Nico Gonzalez and Matias Fernandez-Pardo have bolstered the ranks - three game-changing additions who walk into the starting line-up.

Dedic brings athleticism and versatility. Gonzalez adds class and composure to a midfield that desperately needed strengthening. Fernandez-Pardo provides another exciting attacking option while fitting Newcastle’s new youthful direction.

Collectively, they have changed the complexion of Jaissle's squad. David Hopkinson and Ross Wilson were thrown into the deep end. The sales of established players created understandable frustration.

When youngsters arrived first, Newcastle appeared to be taking care of tomorrow. Today, however, looked bleak. That fear has evaporated following a late £131million spree.

Newcastle came out fighting in challenging circumstances. Key players departing forced the club into a significant rebuild. Eddie Howe leaving also sent the summer into anarchy. Add the outside optics of the Magpies struggling to attract talent and it felt as though Hopkinson and Wilson were pushing a boulder up a hill.

A herculean effort from the St James’ Park shot-callers has now transformed the narrative. As well as strengthening Jaissle's squad, Newcastle have also announced plans for a new £190million training ground complex, underlining the scale of the club's long-term ambition.

That is perhaps the most important development of all. Transfers can change quickly. Players come and go. Managers do too. Infrastructure tells you where a football club intends to be in five, 10 or 15 years.

Newcastle are investing heavily in their foundations. And, on the pitch, there has been a response. A strong start to the season has erased the negativity of those pre-season setbacks.

Suddenly, Jaissleball is beginning to take shape. The performances have provided evidence that the manager is not simply surviving the transition - he could be building something special.

That is not to say Newcastle have suddenly become the finished article. They haven't. There will be bumps in the road. A youthful team will have peaks and troughs. Jaissle will also face obstacles in his first Premier League season.

But the feel-good factor is back. A fortnight ago, there was genuine doubt that Newcastle were asking Jaissle to perform miracles. Not anymore.

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The club have given him a fighting chance of delivering a successful season. Credit where credit is due.

Hopkinson and Wilson faced difficult decisions, intense pressure and a downbeat fan base fearing the worst. They delivered.

The summer may have started chaotically. It could even have looked like Newcastle were setting Jaissle up to fail. They haven't. He has been given the tools needed. Now, for the first time in 12 months, Tyneside is bouncing again - and relishing what lies ahead.

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