As rumours began to emerge that Newcastle United were once again on the hunt to sign Everton winger Anthony Gordon this month, opinion among the Geordie faithful was split. Sections of the fan base saw a young, hungry, raw gem waiting to be unearthed by Eddie Howe. Others could not see beyond the spat he had with Kieran Trippier and Fabian Schar at St James' Park this season and his supposed attitude issues.
Of course, some still believe Gordon's temperament makes his £40m arrival a risk. The 21-year-old arguably did no himself no favours in that regard by refusing to train with Everton on three separate occasions last week.
However, Gordon's arrival on Tyneside has gone as smooth as he and the club could have hoped for since official confirmation landed at 4pm on Sunday afternoon. Once the deal was done, a wealth of Newcastle supporters embraced their new addition - whether it be via social media or when bumping into him out and about in the city.
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Gordon hasn't even kicked a ball for Newcastle, and won't until at least Saturday, and fan opinion is already shifting. That early pessimism about his transfer has subsided and a majority are now content with Newcastle's first piece of incoming business this month.
The club media released in the wake of Gordon's transfer and the player's opening statement on Tyneside have played a big part in that, with many believing the new signing said all the right things in his first interview at St James' Park.
“Since I heard of the interest, I was always convinced Newcastle were for me," Gordon said after signing. "I think the fan base and the city really suits me as a person, the way the team are playing under the gaffer at the minute really suits me, and the club just look like they're heading in the right direction.
"I feel like it's a really big step. People haven't seen what I'm capable of yet. I think under the gaffer, and the way the club's going, I can really excel here."
Newcastle were quick to release plenty of footage of Gordon meeting his new manager and team-mates over the weekend too, and even released a cheeky video of him reacting to his now infamous clash with Trippier and Schar earlier this term.
Both Magpies defenders can be seen welcoming Gordon to the club with open arms, subsequently softening the stubborn stance of fans who were still harbouring a grudge against the attacker for his actions earlier this season.
"He has the work-rate and the passion that Newcastle supporters will feed off, so I do see it as being a good mix. But Anthony will have to prove that and earn that support," Howe said when asked how Gordon can win over the minority of fans still unsure over his arrival.
The talking is now done and Gordon must now show what he can do on the pitch. But as far as starts go, Newcastle's latest recruit has enjoyed a fine one so far.
