Avram Grant at last had all of his squad together on Thursday - save for Pablo Barrera who was still flying in from Mexico duty - including three new recruits, the England duo Matthew Upson and Carlton Cole and the fit-again Valon Behrami.
The whufc.com cameras were there and you can check out our exclusive gallery below - with the positive atmosphere reflected by the smiling faces on view everywhere. It was not long before all were knuckling down to work ahead of a major meeting with Chelsea. The derby date on Saturday promises to be a special day at the Boleyn.
Tal Ben Haim and Winston Reid were also present, hoping to press their defensive claims while Robert Green showed he is feeling good after his minor procedure last week with a full session, with competition from Marek Stech and Ruud Boffin.
PICTURE GALLERY
Victor Obinna has proved a popular presence already
Lars Jacobsen was instantly at home
Manager Avram Grant shared a joke with Carlton Cole
But the main work was talking tactics with his coaches
Meanwhile Freddie Piquionne was clearly enjoying himself
Valon Behrami was in on the joke as well
Scott Parker was a more serious figure but was soon all smiles with his new contract
Robert Green has trained well all week
Jack Collison was still upbeat despite more hours of intensive rehab
Ruud Boffin was back at work after his clean sheet with the reserves