It was not long ago that Newcastle United were warned that all the money in the world would not be enough to convince certain players to sign. Eddie Howe's side were locked in a relegation battle at the time, but it was more of a dig from certain pundits at the North East and the distance to London which could deter prospective signings.
Two windows and in excess of £200 million spending later, it is clear Newcastle have no need to worry in that regard. Emerging superstars Sven Botman, Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak have all been convinced to buy into the project on Tyneside, regardless of the lengthy commute to the nation's capital.
Jordan Hackett was one of four academy recruits to join Newcastle last summer, the first steps in a noticeable transfer shift to fit Dan Ashworth's vision to acquire 'potential'. The powerful left-back had spent more than a decade with Tottenham, but signed his first professional contract at St James' Park in July following a successful trial.
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The Hammersmith-born youngster has represented England at under-18 level, and felt the need to leave his 'comfort zone' after his Tottenham release. Six months down the line and with Eddie Howe's side lifting the mood on Tyneside following a stunning start to the season, Hackett insists he has no regrets about leaving London.
He told ChronicleLive: "It's colder up here! It's a lot different, it's a lot quieter and the people are nicer. Of course, I miss London as it's where I grew up. I feel at the time I needed a change and I'm happy I made it.
"I was at Tottenham for 11 years, and I enjoyed my time there but it got to a period where I needed to go elsewhere. I couldn't say no. It's a big club, it's on the way up. I'm really happy that I joined, and I've enjoyed every minute so far.
"I've been able to see some games, the atmosphere is so crazy. The fans love football here, it is the only team here. Pretty much everyone in the city supports Newcastle, why would you not love that?"
Newcastle were not the only club to invite Hackett for a trial, and the left-back had to wait for a month before learning an offer from the Magpies was on the table. But Hackett was convinced by his week-long experience with the club, and the fact a club showing newfound ambition was keen to aid his development.
He added: "I had some other trials, but when I came here the players and staff made me feel welcome. It was a no-brainer to come here.
"It's [Newcastle's interest] is a positive thing, it shows I'm heading in the right direction as well. For them to look at me and want to sign me, it really boosted my confidence.
"The first thing they were telling me is I'm going to have to adapt to the way Newcastle play compared to Tottenham. I've adapted well, I've changed my style of play, not too much as I want to be unique. But I've adapted to the way we want to play."
Hackett has so far made 13 appearances for Newcastle's under-21 side this term, as well as representing the academy in the Al Abtal Friendly Games against Saudi Arabian opposition. The 18-year-old is also one of a number of rising stars to be handed the chance by Eddie Howe to impress in first-team training.
The bar at United has been raised significantly since Howe's appointment in November 2021, and the level required to make a senior breakthrough could perhaps be daunting for the club's youngsters. However, Hackett insists the first-team stars have always proved welcoming to those bidding to make the step up.
The defender said: "The level and the intensity is so high, you have to keep up and always be focused. You can't lack concentration once, as a player that's good as it's going to develop you in the long-term.
"First time I went there, they all came around and said to enjoy it and focus. They always help, no matter if it's your first time up there or 60th time, they will always talk to you and not leave you behind or get on to you too much."
Newcastle's under-21s have endured a testing couple of months, with the young Magpies suffering two straight defeats on their return to Premier League 2 action. The academy side have also been knocked out of the Premier League Cup and the Northumberland Senior Cup, having lost to ninth-tier Whitley Bay FC in the latter.
Elliott Dickman seemingly paid the price for this indifferent form, with the club announcing his surprise departure after only 14 months in the post. Ben Dawson will lead the team on an interim basis until a permanent successor is appointed, and Hackett has revealed the focus immediately switched to the first match of 2023.
He said: "It happened when we first came back after Christmas. We just got told straight how it is, what's happened and everyone just moved on and focused on our next game. The next game was the most important thing."
Dan Burn has made the left-back spot his own at senior level, with the converted central defender helping Newcastle boast the best defensive record in the Premier League so far. Howe also has plenty of options in reserve, with academy graduate Paul Dummett, Jamal Lewis and Matt Targett all capable of deputising in the role.
Hackett is pleased with the start he has made to life in black-and-white, and feels confident he is in the right place to continue his own progression. Rather than focusing on any first-team targets, the teenager is following the approach of Newcastle's head coach in taking it game by game.
Hackett added: "I think my performances have been of a good standard. Obviously there's always room to improve, but I feel like my performances have been up to par. I've got a lot of good feedback from staff as well.
"My target until the end of the season is just to start as many games as possible, and to just improve every day. You can't waste a day in football."
* Newcastle United U21s return to Premier League 2 action on Wednesday afternoon with a rearranged Premier League Cup clash against Bristol City. You can follow all of the updates from Whitley Park as it happens here.
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