Read Matthias Jaissle's Newcastle United message ahead ...

In a short period of time I have already felt such warmth from everybody associated with the club, whether that is supporters in the streets or staff and players inside the club.

It is truly an honour to be here as Newcastle United head coach and I’m so excited, focused and motivated by the challenge ahead.

Everybody in football knows that Newcastle United is a huge football club, but it isn’t until you’re here living and breathing it every single day that you start to realise how big it really is and how much it means to people in this city. That is something we have to embrace and try to use to our advantage on the pitch every week.

I have already had a sample of our great support in both Valencia and Edinburgh, and now I’m really looking forward to leading the team at St. James’ Park this weekend for the first time. I’d like to welcome the staff and players of both Bayer Leverkusen and RC Strasbourg. I’d also like to offer my support to Tanya Oxtoby and Newcastle United Women, who will take to the pitch before us on Sunday. I wish them every success in the season ahead.

You can purchase tickets for Matthias Jaissle's first St. James' Park clashes here.

This weekend gives us another opportunity to take a close look at the players, increase their sharpness and work on our system. That is always the purpose of pre-season, but with limited time to work it feels vital that we maximise everything we are doing. Both teams we face are quality opposition and each will provide a different test. These games will not be easy – we have to be all in if we want to be ready for the new season.

I have been really impressed by the commitment of the players so far. From the moment I arrived in La Manga I have asked a lot of them and they have responded brilliantly. We have had some really high intensity double sessions, especially in the heat in Spain, with a lot of new information to digest quickly. Credit also to my backroom staff who have joined me: Alexander Hauser, Engin Yanova, Florens Koch, Maximilian Fischer, Steffen Konrad and Alexander Bade. Alongside the staff who were already here, their work has been outstanding during these first few weeks.

Finally, I must recognise the work of Eddie Howe before me for everything he achieved here. I wish Eddie and his staff nothing but success in the future and thank them for the work they put in before I arrived to leave the team in such a healthy position. Everybody speaks so highly of Eddie and I hope to build a similar connection with our supporters over time.

Howay the lads!

Matthias Jaissle.

Make sure to pick up your copy of the new-look UNITED programme this weekend, featuring: