We’re fifth in Europe for ‘money spent’ so far, up there with the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Real Madrid, and the club have organised pre-season friendlies against famous teams like Real Betis and Sporting Lisbon.

All of this can only be good, and no other fan base deserves it more. I was only nine when we were relegated from the Premier League. Now, at seventeen, I will have my first proper experience with it.

The fact that my team, which I’ve seen play against Oldham, Scunthorpe, and Swindon in recent years, is preparing for trips to the Etihad, Emirates, and Anfield fills me with not only pride, but also a burning, nervous excitement.

Yes, it will be a difficult season, but that is the price of success — a greater challenge, competing against some of the best teams in the world, and I believe that this young, promising squad can bring something new to the Premier League. In recent years, the Premier League has been quite monotonous, and I believe we can offer something different with our pace, power, and counter-attacking ability.

The club appears to be aware of this, as our new signings meet these criteria.

Photo by George Wood/Getty Images

I admire the club’s efforts to adhere to the’model’ we’ve established for transfers: investing in what is hoped to be the next generation of talent from around the world (or Africa, so far!).

That being said, I believe a few more experienced players, similar to Reinildo, would be beneficial in assisting both the new signings and the current squad in adjusting to the Premier League. This preseason is also shaping up to be an entertaining watch. It’s quite cramped, but at least it will allow for rotation and bring everyone up to speed.

Luckily, my family vacation to Portugal coincides with the pre-season fixtures (my father assures my mother that he had no idea this would be the case!) I should be able to see the lads ripping it up in the summer sun. I cannot wait for the season to begin. I’m determined not to let the well-established expectation of relegation dampen my spirits, and it should not dampen yours.

Hopefully, we can use the Stadium of Light and the ‘Roker Roar’ to our advantage and turn some teams over, potentially gaining valuable points. You never know—if we keep the red flag flying high and these new, exciting signings get started right away, we might have a chance.

Let’s enjoy being back in the spotlight and supporting the Lads until the end.

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